NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • Initial phase of Bihar’s special intensive revision almost over

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The initial phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ‘is almost complete’, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a statement on Sunday. The process, aimed at updating the electoral rolls, is progressing smoothly with strong ground-level support from electors, officials, and volunteers.

    According to ECI, over 1.69 crore Enumeration Forms — accounting for 21.46% of the total 7.90 crore electors in the state — were received as of 6:00 PM on July 6. Notably, more than 65 lakh forms were collected in the last 24 hours alone. With 19 days still remaining until the July 25 deadline, officials are optimistic about achieving full coverage.

    Uploading of forms is also underway, with 7.25% already digitized. Electors can also submit or upload their filled forms via the ECINET App or the ECI portal.

    A workforce of 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) is conducting door-to-door visits to assist voters, often capturing live photographs to ease the process. An additional 20,603 BLOs are being appointed to ensure timely completion of the drive. Nearly 4 lakh volunteers — including government staff, NCC cadets, and NSS members — are supporting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

    The revision is being carried out strictly in line with SIR guidelines dated June 24, 2025. Draft electoral rolls will be published on August 1, incorporating names from forms received before the July 25 deadline. Any deficiencies can be rectified during the subsequent claims and objections period.

    The extensive effort is being coordinated by 239 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 963 Assistant EROs, 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar. Additionally, 1.54 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from various political parties are actively supporting the campaign.

    Officials have urged all eligible voters to cooperate and ensure timely submission of forms to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll.

     

  • Initial phase of Bihar’s special intensive revision almost over

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The initial phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ‘is almost complete’, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a statement on Sunday. The process, aimed at updating the electoral rolls, is progressing smoothly with strong ground-level support from electors, officials, and volunteers.

    According to ECI, over 1.69 crore Enumeration Forms — accounting for 21.46% of the total 7.90 crore electors in the state — were received as of 6:00 PM on July 6. Notably, more than 65 lakh forms were collected in the last 24 hours alone. With 19 days still remaining until the July 25 deadline, officials are optimistic about achieving full coverage.

    Uploading of forms is also underway, with 7.25% already digitized. Electors can also submit or upload their filled forms via the ECINET App or the ECI portal.

    A workforce of 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) is conducting door-to-door visits to assist voters, often capturing live photographs to ease the process. An additional 20,603 BLOs are being appointed to ensure timely completion of the drive. Nearly 4 lakh volunteers — including government staff, NCC cadets, and NSS members — are supporting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

    The revision is being carried out strictly in line with SIR guidelines dated June 24, 2025. Draft electoral rolls will be published on August 1, incorporating names from forms received before the July 25 deadline. Any deficiencies can be rectified during the subsequent claims and objections period.

    The extensive effort is being coordinated by 239 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 963 Assistant EROs, 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar. Additionally, 1.54 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from various political parties are actively supporting the campaign.

    Officials have urged all eligible voters to cooperate and ensure timely submission of forms to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll.

     

  • Israel’s Netanyahu says he believes Trump can help seal ceasefire deal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he believed his discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday would help advance talks on a Gaza hostage release and ceasefire deal, as Trump predicted an agreement could be reached this week.

    Israeli negotiators taking part in the ceasefire talks that resumed in Doha on Sunday have clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire agreement under conditions that Israel has accepted, Netanyahu said on Sunday before flying to Washington.

    “I believe the discussion with President Trump can certainly help advance these results,” he said, adding his determination to ensure the return of hostages held in Gaza and to remove the threat of the Palestinian militant group Hamas to Israel.

    It will be Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Trump returned to power nearly six months ago.

    Trump said he believed a hostage release and ceasefire deal could be reached this week, which could lead to the release of “quite a few hostages.”

    “I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the week,” Trump told reporters before flying back to Washington after a weekend golfing in New Jersey.

    Public pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to secure a permanent ceasefire and end the war in Gaza, a move opposed by some hardline members of his right-wing coalition. Others, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, have expressed support.

    Palestinian group Hamas said on Friday it had responded to a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal in a “positive spirit”, a few days after Trump said Israel had agreed “to the necessary conditions to finalize” a 60-day truce.

    But in a sign of the potential challenges still facing the two sides, a Palestinian official from a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing in southern Israel to Egypt and clarity over a timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals.

    The first session of indirect Hamas-Israel ceasefire talks in Qatar ended inconclusively, two Palestinian sources familiar with the matter said early on Monday, adding that the Israeli delegation didn’t have a sufficient mandate to reach an agreement with Hamas.

    Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that changes sought by Hamas to the ceasefire proposal were “not acceptable to Israel”. However, his office said the delegation would still fly to Qatar to “continue efforts to secure the return of our hostages based on the Qatari proposal that Israel agreed to.”

    Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a demand the militant group has so far refused to discuss.

    Netanyahu said he believed he and Trump would also build on the outcome of the 12-day air war with Iran last month and seek to further ensure that Tehran never has a nuclear weapon. He said recent Middle East developments had created an opportunity to widen the circle of peace.

    HOSTAGES

    On Saturday evening, crowds gathered at a public square in Tel Aviv near the defence ministry headquarters to call for a ceasefire deal and the return of around 50 hostages still held in Gaza. The demonstrators waved Israeli flags, chanted and carried posters with photos of the hostages.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

    Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s retaliatory military assault on the enclave has killed over 57,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, displaced the population, mostly within Gaza, and left the territory in ruins.

    Around 20 of the remaining hostages are believed to be still alive. A majority of the original hostages have been freed through diplomatic negotiations, though the Israeli military has also recovered some.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel’s Netanyahu says he believes Trump can help seal ceasefire deal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he believed his discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday would help advance talks on a Gaza hostage release and ceasefire deal, as Trump predicted an agreement could be reached this week.

    Israeli negotiators taking part in the ceasefire talks that resumed in Doha on Sunday have clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire agreement under conditions that Israel has accepted, Netanyahu said on Sunday before flying to Washington.

    “I believe the discussion with President Trump can certainly help advance these results,” he said, adding his determination to ensure the return of hostages held in Gaza and to remove the threat of the Palestinian militant group Hamas to Israel.

    It will be Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Trump returned to power nearly six months ago.

    Trump said he believed a hostage release and ceasefire deal could be reached this week, which could lead to the release of “quite a few hostages.”

    “I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the week,” Trump told reporters before flying back to Washington after a weekend golfing in New Jersey.

    Public pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to secure a permanent ceasefire and end the war in Gaza, a move opposed by some hardline members of his right-wing coalition. Others, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, have expressed support.

    Palestinian group Hamas said on Friday it had responded to a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal in a “positive spirit”, a few days after Trump said Israel had agreed “to the necessary conditions to finalize” a 60-day truce.

    But in a sign of the potential challenges still facing the two sides, a Palestinian official from a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing in southern Israel to Egypt and clarity over a timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals.

    The first session of indirect Hamas-Israel ceasefire talks in Qatar ended inconclusively, two Palestinian sources familiar with the matter said early on Monday, adding that the Israeli delegation didn’t have a sufficient mandate to reach an agreement with Hamas.

    Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that changes sought by Hamas to the ceasefire proposal were “not acceptable to Israel”. However, his office said the delegation would still fly to Qatar to “continue efforts to secure the return of our hostages based on the Qatari proposal that Israel agreed to.”

    Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a demand the militant group has so far refused to discuss.

    Netanyahu said he believed he and Trump would also build on the outcome of the 12-day air war with Iran last month and seek to further ensure that Tehran never has a nuclear weapon. He said recent Middle East developments had created an opportunity to widen the circle of peace.

    HOSTAGES

    On Saturday evening, crowds gathered at a public square in Tel Aviv near the defence ministry headquarters to call for a ceasefire deal and the return of around 50 hostages still held in Gaza. The demonstrators waved Israeli flags, chanted and carried posters with photos of the hostages.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

    Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s retaliatory military assault on the enclave has killed over 57,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, displaced the population, mostly within Gaza, and left the territory in ruins.

    Around 20 of the remaining hostages are believed to be still alive. A majority of the original hostages have been freed through diplomatic negotiations, though the Israeli military has also recovered some.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sustainable fishing applications open

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Applications for marine fish culture licences and the use of government-provided deep sea cages in the new fish culture zone at Mirs Bay (South) are open from today until September 6, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department announced.

     

    The department explained that it hopes to encourage the intensification of production for fishermen in the new fish culture zones while adopting a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of operation, together with the use of cages that are resilient to strong wind and water currents.

     

    To reduce the start-up cost for fishermen, the department will set up two sets of steel truss deep sea cages and three sets of high density polyethylene deep sea cages equipped with modern aquaculture facilities in phases in the new fish culture zone at Mirs Bay (South) by the end of this year. The deep sea cages will be provided to local fishermen associations through licence agreements.

     

    Applicants shall provide a detailed business plan, including an introduction to the proposed sustainable mariculture business, as well as a demonstration of their eligibility to use government cages and compliance with the relevant environmental protection and mitigation measures.

     

    While the department added that people interested in operating in the new fish culture zone may consider applying for the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, it also stressed that the fund cannot be used to pay for the licence fees of government cages.

     

    A briefing session will be held on July 17 to introduce the application process and licensing requirements of marine fish culture licences and the use of deep sea cages.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: MassMutual Ventures and Crane Venture Partners announce expanded partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, LONDON and SINGAPORE, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MassMutual Ventures (MMV) and Crane Venture Partners announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Crane to administer MMV’s Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) funds, totaling $450 million and including 40 portfolio companies. MassMutual Ventures has been a minority investor in Crane since 2018 as well as an anchor investor in all Crane funds.

    “This agreement marks the next evolution in MassMutual Ventures’ longstanding relationship with the Crane team that was established seven years ago,” said Doug Russell, Managing Director and Head of MassMutual Ventures. “Crane’s unwavering focus on founders and vast network and expertise will be invaluable for both current and future portfolio companies in Europe and APAC. We look forward to continuing to work with Crane in this new capacity, leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both of our organizations.”

    MMV will continue to manage its existing portfolio of over 60 companies based in North America and Israel and invest in new companies through its Boston-based MMV US and MMV Climate Tech Fund teams.

    “We’ve always believed that early conviction and long-term commitment are the keys to venture success. This expanded partnership is a massive vote of confidence in our approach—and in the founders we have and will continue to back,” said Krishna Visvanathan, Co-founder and Partner at Crane. “We’re proud to take the next step with MassMutual Ventures and build an even stronger bridge for global ambition across Europe and Asia-Pacific.”

    As part of the transaction, which is expected to close later this year pending satisfactory completion of customary conditions, Crane Venture Partners will oversee all existing Europe and APAC investments as well as manage all new Europe and APAC investments, with MMV continuing to hold positions in all existing portfolio companies.

    About MassMutual Ventures
    MassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a multistage venture capital firm investing globally in financial technology, enterprise SaaS, healthtech, climate technology and cybersecurity companies. We help accelerate the growth of the companies we partner with by providing capital, connections and advice. With our deep expertise and extensive network, MMV helps entrepreneurs build compelling and scalable companies of value. For more information, visit www.massmutualventures.com.

    About Crane Venture Partners

    Crane makes high-conviction investments in foundational technologies at the earliest stages, backing ambitious founders from inception through seed. Our commitment extends beyond initial funding—we remain deeply involved as trusted partners, offering hands-on support through critical company-building moments and helping founders refine go-to-market strategies and scale globally. 

    Since 2015, we’ve backed category-defining companies across post-quantum security, robotics, infrastructure software, developer tools, and AI systems. With a global perspective spanning the UK, Europe, the US, Israel and Asia-Pacific, we help exceptional founders build companies that redefine what’s possible. First to believe. Last to leave. For more, visit www.crane.vc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MassMutual Ventures and Crane Venture Partners announce expanded partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, LONDON and SINGAPORE, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MassMutual Ventures (MMV) and Crane Venture Partners announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Crane to administer MMV’s Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) funds, totaling $450 million and including 40 portfolio companies. MassMutual Ventures has been a minority investor in Crane since 2018 as well as an anchor investor in all Crane funds.

    “This agreement marks the next evolution in MassMutual Ventures’ longstanding relationship with the Crane team that was established seven years ago,” said Doug Russell, Managing Director and Head of MassMutual Ventures. “Crane’s unwavering focus on founders and vast network and expertise will be invaluable for both current and future portfolio companies in Europe and APAC. We look forward to continuing to work with Crane in this new capacity, leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both of our organizations.”

    MMV will continue to manage its existing portfolio of over 60 companies based in North America and Israel and invest in new companies through its Boston-based MMV US and MMV Climate Tech Fund teams.

    “We’ve always believed that early conviction and long-term commitment are the keys to venture success. This expanded partnership is a massive vote of confidence in our approach—and in the founders we have and will continue to back,” said Krishna Visvanathan, Co-founder and Partner at Crane. “We’re proud to take the next step with MassMutual Ventures and build an even stronger bridge for global ambition across Europe and Asia-Pacific.”

    As part of the transaction, which is expected to close later this year pending satisfactory completion of customary conditions, Crane Venture Partners will oversee all existing Europe and APAC investments as well as manage all new Europe and APAC investments, with MMV continuing to hold positions in all existing portfolio companies.

    About MassMutual Ventures
    MassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a multistage venture capital firm investing globally in financial technology, enterprise SaaS, healthtech, climate technology and cybersecurity companies. We help accelerate the growth of the companies we partner with by providing capital, connections and advice. With our deep expertise and extensive network, MMV helps entrepreneurs build compelling and scalable companies of value. For more information, visit www.massmutualventures.com.

    About Crane Venture Partners

    Crane makes high-conviction investments in foundational technologies at the earliest stages, backing ambitious founders from inception through seed. Our commitment extends beyond initial funding—we remain deeply involved as trusted partners, offering hands-on support through critical company-building moments and helping founders refine go-to-market strategies and scale globally. 

    Since 2015, we’ve backed category-defining companies across post-quantum security, robotics, infrastructure software, developer tools, and AI systems. With a global perspective spanning the UK, Europe, the US, Israel and Asia-Pacific, we help exceptional founders build companies that redefine what’s possible. First to believe. Last to leave. For more, visit www.crane.vc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MassMutual Ventures and Crane Venture Partners announce expanded partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, LONDON and SINGAPORE, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MassMutual Ventures (MMV) and Crane Venture Partners announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Crane to administer MMV’s Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) funds, totaling $450 million and including 40 portfolio companies. MassMutual Ventures has been a minority investor in Crane since 2018 as well as an anchor investor in all Crane funds.

    “This agreement marks the next evolution in MassMutual Ventures’ longstanding relationship with the Crane team that was established seven years ago,” said Doug Russell, Managing Director and Head of MassMutual Ventures. “Crane’s unwavering focus on founders and vast network and expertise will be invaluable for both current and future portfolio companies in Europe and APAC. We look forward to continuing to work with Crane in this new capacity, leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both of our organizations.”

    MMV will continue to manage its existing portfolio of over 60 companies based in North America and Israel and invest in new companies through its Boston-based MMV US and MMV Climate Tech Fund teams.

    “We’ve always believed that early conviction and long-term commitment are the keys to venture success. This expanded partnership is a massive vote of confidence in our approach—and in the founders we have and will continue to back,” said Krishna Visvanathan, Co-founder and Partner at Crane. “We’re proud to take the next step with MassMutual Ventures and build an even stronger bridge for global ambition across Europe and Asia-Pacific.”

    As part of the transaction, which is expected to close later this year pending satisfactory completion of customary conditions, Crane Venture Partners will oversee all existing Europe and APAC investments as well as manage all new Europe and APAC investments, with MMV continuing to hold positions in all existing portfolio companies.

    About MassMutual Ventures
    MassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a multistage venture capital firm investing globally in financial technology, enterprise SaaS, healthtech, climate technology and cybersecurity companies. We help accelerate the growth of the companies we partner with by providing capital, connections and advice. With our deep expertise and extensive network, MMV helps entrepreneurs build compelling and scalable companies of value. For more information, visit www.massmutualventures.com.

    About Crane Venture Partners

    Crane makes high-conviction investments in foundational technologies at the earliest stages, backing ambitious founders from inception through seed. Our commitment extends beyond initial funding—we remain deeply involved as trusted partners, offering hands-on support through critical company-building moments and helping founders refine go-to-market strategies and scale globally. 

    Since 2015, we’ve backed category-defining companies across post-quantum security, robotics, infrastructure software, developer tools, and AI systems. With a global perspective spanning the UK, Europe, the US, Israel and Asia-Pacific, we help exceptional founders build companies that redefine what’s possible. First to believe. Last to leave. For more, visit www.crane.vc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Nokia partner to reduce energy demand and support AI-powered, sustainable operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Nokia partner to reduce energy demand and support AI-powered, sustainable operations

    • Nokia Energy Efficiency, part of the company’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, will enable Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison to shut idle and unused radio equipment automatically during low network demand periods.
    • The agreement supports Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s commitment to sustainability and digital innovation, and its transformation into an AI-powered TechCo, building a smarter, greener, and more inclusive Indonesia.

    7 July 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH), Indonesia’s leading digital telecommunications company, has deployed Nokia Energy Efficiency, part of Nokia’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, to reduce energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions across its nationwide radio access network (RAN).

    Using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyse real-time traffic patterns, Nokia Energy Efficiency enables Indosat to adjust or shut idle and unused radio equipment automatically during low network demand periods. The solution, engineered with intelligent thermal management to cut network cooling energy needs, is available in a SaaS model that eliminates large up-front capital expenditure and avoids the need to perform on-site software maintenance and updates, contributing to greener network operations.

    The multi-vendor, AI-driven energy management solution can reduce energy costs and carbon footprint with no negative impact on network performance or customer experience. It can be rolled out in a matter of weeks.

    The initiative marks another critical step in Indosat’s broader transformation journey—from a conventional telecom operator into an AI TechCo—powered by intelligent technologies, cloud-based platforms, and a commitment to sustainability. By embedding automation and intelligence into network operations, Indosat is unlocking new levels of efficiency, agility, and environmental responsibility across its infrastructure.

    “As data consumption continues to grow, so does our responsibility to manage resources wisely. This collaboration reflects Indosat’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation, using AI to not only optimize performance, but also reduce emissions and energy use across our network.” said Desmond Cheung, Director and Chief Technology Officer, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison.

    Indosat’s commitment to sustainability has already earned it regional recognition. It was the first operator in Southeast Asia to achieve ISO 50001 certification for energy management—underscoring its pledge to minimize environmental impact through operational excellence. The collaboration with Nokia builds upon a successful pilot project, in which the AI-powered solution demonstrated its ability to reduce energy consumption in live network conditions.

    Following the pilot project, Nokia deployed its Energy Efficiency solution to the entire Nokia RAN footprint in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Central and East Java.

    “We are very pleased to be helping Indosat deliver on its commitments to sustainability and environmental responsibility, establishing its position both locally and internationally. Nokia Energy Efficiency reflects the important R&D investments that Nokia continues to make to help our customers optimize energy savings and network performance simultaneously,” said Henrique Vale, Vice President, Cloud and Network Services, APAC, Nokia.

    Nokia’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, including its Autonomous Networks Fabric solution, utilizes Agentic AI to deliver advanced security, analytics, and operations capabilities that provide operators with a holistic, real-time view of the network so they can reduce costs, accelerate time-to-value, and deliver the best customer experience.

    Autonomous Networks Fabric is a unifying intelligence layer that weaves together observability, analytics, security, and automation across every network domain; allowing a network to behave as one adaptive system, regardless of vendor, architecture, or deployment model.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Nokia partner to reduce energy demand and support AI-powered, sustainable operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Nokia partner to reduce energy demand and support AI-powered, sustainable operations

    • Nokia Energy Efficiency, part of the company’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, will enable Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison to shut idle and unused radio equipment automatically during low network demand periods.
    • The agreement supports Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s commitment to sustainability and digital innovation, and its transformation into an AI-powered TechCo, building a smarter, greener, and more inclusive Indonesia.

    7 July 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH), Indonesia’s leading digital telecommunications company, has deployed Nokia Energy Efficiency, part of Nokia’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, to reduce energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions across its nationwide radio access network (RAN).

    Using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyse real-time traffic patterns, Nokia Energy Efficiency enables Indosat to adjust or shut idle and unused radio equipment automatically during low network demand periods. The solution, engineered with intelligent thermal management to cut network cooling energy needs, is available in a SaaS model that eliminates large up-front capital expenditure and avoids the need to perform on-site software maintenance and updates, contributing to greener network operations.

    The multi-vendor, AI-driven energy management solution can reduce energy costs and carbon footprint with no negative impact on network performance or customer experience. It can be rolled out in a matter of weeks.

    The initiative marks another critical step in Indosat’s broader transformation journey—from a conventional telecom operator into an AI TechCo—powered by intelligent technologies, cloud-based platforms, and a commitment to sustainability. By embedding automation and intelligence into network operations, Indosat is unlocking new levels of efficiency, agility, and environmental responsibility across its infrastructure.

    “As data consumption continues to grow, so does our responsibility to manage resources wisely. This collaboration reflects Indosat’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation, using AI to not only optimize performance, but also reduce emissions and energy use across our network.” said Desmond Cheung, Director and Chief Technology Officer, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison.

    Indosat’s commitment to sustainability has already earned it regional recognition. It was the first operator in Southeast Asia to achieve ISO 50001 certification for energy management—underscoring its pledge to minimize environmental impact through operational excellence. The collaboration with Nokia builds upon a successful pilot project, in which the AI-powered solution demonstrated its ability to reduce energy consumption in live network conditions.

    Following the pilot project, Nokia deployed its Energy Efficiency solution to the entire Nokia RAN footprint in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Central and East Java.

    “We are very pleased to be helping Indosat deliver on its commitments to sustainability and environmental responsibility, establishing its position both locally and internationally. Nokia Energy Efficiency reflects the important R&D investments that Nokia continues to make to help our customers optimize energy savings and network performance simultaneously,” said Henrique Vale, Vice President, Cloud and Network Services, APAC, Nokia.

    Nokia’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, including its Autonomous Networks Fabric solution, utilizes Agentic AI to deliver advanced security, analytics, and operations capabilities that provide operators with a holistic, real-time view of the network so they can reduce costs, accelerate time-to-value, and deliver the best customer experience.

    Autonomous Networks Fabric is a unifying intelligence layer that weaves together observability, analytics, security, and automation across every network domain; allowing a network to behave as one adaptive system, regardless of vendor, architecture, or deployment model.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Nokia partner to reduce energy demand and support AI-powered, sustainable operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Nokia partner to reduce energy demand and support AI-powered, sustainable operations

    • Nokia Energy Efficiency, part of the company’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, will enable Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison to shut idle and unused radio equipment automatically during low network demand periods.
    • The agreement supports Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s commitment to sustainability and digital innovation, and its transformation into an AI-powered TechCo, building a smarter, greener, and more inclusive Indonesia.

    7 July 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH), Indonesia’s leading digital telecommunications company, has deployed Nokia Energy Efficiency, part of Nokia’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, to reduce energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions across its nationwide radio access network (RAN).

    Using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyse real-time traffic patterns, Nokia Energy Efficiency enables Indosat to adjust or shut idle and unused radio equipment automatically during low network demand periods. The solution, engineered with intelligent thermal management to cut network cooling energy needs, is available in a SaaS model that eliminates large up-front capital expenditure and avoids the need to perform on-site software maintenance and updates, contributing to greener network operations.

    The multi-vendor, AI-driven energy management solution can reduce energy costs and carbon footprint with no negative impact on network performance or customer experience. It can be rolled out in a matter of weeks.

    The initiative marks another critical step in Indosat’s broader transformation journey—from a conventional telecom operator into an AI TechCo—powered by intelligent technologies, cloud-based platforms, and a commitment to sustainability. By embedding automation and intelligence into network operations, Indosat is unlocking new levels of efficiency, agility, and environmental responsibility across its infrastructure.

    “As data consumption continues to grow, so does our responsibility to manage resources wisely. This collaboration reflects Indosat’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation, using AI to not only optimize performance, but also reduce emissions and energy use across our network.” said Desmond Cheung, Director and Chief Technology Officer, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison.

    Indosat’s commitment to sustainability has already earned it regional recognition. It was the first operator in Southeast Asia to achieve ISO 50001 certification for energy management—underscoring its pledge to minimize environmental impact through operational excellence. The collaboration with Nokia builds upon a successful pilot project, in which the AI-powered solution demonstrated its ability to reduce energy consumption in live network conditions.

    Following the pilot project, Nokia deployed its Energy Efficiency solution to the entire Nokia RAN footprint in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Central and East Java.

    “We are very pleased to be helping Indosat deliver on its commitments to sustainability and environmental responsibility, establishing its position both locally and internationally. Nokia Energy Efficiency reflects the important R&D investments that Nokia continues to make to help our customers optimize energy savings and network performance simultaneously,” said Henrique Vale, Vice President, Cloud and Network Services, APAC, Nokia.

    Nokia’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, including its Autonomous Networks Fabric solution, utilizes Agentic AI to deliver advanced security, analytics, and operations capabilities that provide operators with a holistic, real-time view of the network so they can reduce costs, accelerate time-to-value, and deliver the best customer experience.

    Autonomous Networks Fabric is a unifying intelligence layer that weaves together observability, analytics, security, and automation across every network domain; allowing a network to behave as one adaptive system, regardless of vendor, architecture, or deployment model.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini to acquire WNS to create a global leader in Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Media relations:
    Victoire Grux
    Tel.: +33 6 04 52 16 55
    victoire.grux@capgemini.com

    Investor relations:
    Vincent Biraud
    Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 87
    vincent.biraud@capgemini.com

    Capgemini to acquire WNS to create a global leader in Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations

    • Creation of a leader in Intelligent Operations to capture enterprise investment in Agentic AI to transform their end-to-end business processes
    • Acquisition of a leading player in Digital BPS (Business Process Services) to combine capabilities and scale to address the strategic opportunity driven by Agentic AI
    • Transaction immediately accretive to Capgemini’s revenue growth and operating margin
    • Expected accretion to Capgemini’s normalized EPS of 4% before synergies in 2026, and 7% post-synergies in 2027
    • Definitive transaction agreement entered into pursuant to which Capgemini will acquire WNS for a cash consideration of 76.50 USD per share
    • Transaction unanimously approved by the board of directors of both companies and expected to close by the end of the year

    Paris, July 7, 2025 – Capgemini (Euronext Paris: CAP), a global business and technology transformation partner, and WNS (NYSE: WNS), a leading digital-led business transformation and services company, today announced that they have entered into a definitive transaction agreement pursuant to which Capgemini will acquire WNS for a cash consideration of 76.50 USD per WNS share, which represents a premium of 28% to the last 90-day average1 share price, of 27% to the last 30-day average1 share price and a premium of 17% to the last closing share price on July 3, 2025. The total cash consideration will amount to $3.3 billion, excluding WNS net financial debt2. The transaction will be accretive to Capgemini’s normalized EPS by 4% before synergies in 2026 and 7% post synergies in 2027. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both Capgemini’s and WNS’ Boards of Directors.

    “Enterprises are rapidly adopting Generative AI and Agentic AI to transform their operations end-to-end. Business Process Services will be the showcase for Agentic AI. Capgemini’s acquisition of WNS will provide the Group with the scale and vertical sector expertise to capture that rapidly emerging strategic opportunity created by the paradigm shift from traditional BPS to Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations,” comments Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini. “Together we will create a leader in Intelligent Operations, uniquely positioned to support organizations in their AI-powered business process transformation, blending the critical capabilities needed from consulting, technology and platforms to deep process and industry expertise. This will address the client needs for Agentic AI-driven process transformation to deliver efficiency and agility through hyper-automation while achieving superior business outcomes.

    WNS brings to the Group its high growth, margin accretive and resilient Digital Business Process Services, which is the springboard to Intelligent Operations, while further increasing our exposure to the US market. Immediate cross-selling opportunities will be unlocked through the integration of our complementary offerings and clients. I am looking forward to welcoming the WNS global team to Capgemini.”

    “As a recognized leader in the Digital Business Process Services space, we see the next wave of transformation being driven by intelligent, domain-centric operations that unlock strategic value for our clients. Organizations that have already digitized are now seeking to reimagine their operating models by embedding AI at the core—shifting from automation to autonomy,” said Keshav R. Murugesh, Chief Executive Officer of WNS. “By combining our deep domain and process expertise with Capgemini’s global reach, cutting-edge Gen AI and Agentic AI capabilities, a robust partner ecosystem, and advanced technology platforms, we are creating a powerful proposition that accelerates enterprise reinvention. WNS’ complementary portfolio of horizontal and industry-specific solutions will significantly enhance Capgemini’s rapidly growing Business Services footprint, enabling next-generation, data-driven operations across sectors. Just as importantly, our shared values, cultural alignment, and complementary client relationships ensure a seamless integration—unlocking exciting opportunities for innovation, co-creation, and growth across all stakeholder groups.”

    “WNS and Capgemini share a bold, future-focused vision for Intelligent Operations. I’m confident that Capgemini is the ideal partner at the right time in WNS’ journey to extend our capabilities, accelerate innovation, and establish a leadership position in this rapidly evolving market,” said Timothy L. Main, Chairman of WNS Board of Directors. “This marks a pivotal chapter in WNS’ growth—enhancing the resilience and agility of our clients through advanced AI-driven solutions, creating sustained value for our investors, and opening up new avenues for our employees to thrive within a global technology powerhouse.”

    WNS, a leader in the resilient high-growth and margin accretive Digital BPS market

    WNS is a leading and trusted business transformation and services partner that uniquely blends deep industry knowledge with business process management, technology, analytics and AI expertise to create market differentiation for clients. With digital-led transformation solutions deployed to clients across 8 industries where it deploys its highly automated platforms to deliver stronger business outcomes, WNS is a leader in Digital Business Process Services (BPS). This operating model enables strategic engagements that are critical to clients’ daily operations materialized in long-term contracts with recurring revenues streams. Through an expanded ecosystem of partners and network of delivery centers, WNS serves a large portfolio of blue-chip clients, such as3 United Airlines, Aviva, M&T Bank, Centrica and McCain Foods.

    The high-quality business model of WNS, supported by non-linear pricing models and superior profitability has driven a c.+9% constant currency revenue growth on average over the last 3 fiscal years4, to reach $1,266 million of revenue5 in fiscal year 20254 with an 18.7%6 operating margin.

    Global organizations are in constant need of strategic partners to support their transformation to enhance efficiency and accelerate growth. This continues to be a key driver of the Digital BPS market and WNS targets revenue growth of +7% to +11% for FY2026.

    Immediate unlocking of value

    This transaction will position Capgemini as a leader in Digital BPS blending horizontal and vertical process expertise, with a global footprint. With combined revenues of €1.9 billion in 2024 in Digital BPS, this will strengthen Capgemini’s ability to accompany clients on their business and technology transformation journeys.

    The mix of WNS and Capgemini’s complementary offerings and clients will immediately unlock cross-selling opportunities. It will also lay down the foundations to build the capabilities to seize the Intelligent Operations strategic market opportunity.

    Intelligent Operations – Agentic AI creates a paradigm shift that opens a strategic opportunity

    The largest opportunity for global organizations to create value with Gen AI and Agentic AI lies in the fundamental redesign of their operations and business processes. It will attract a significant share of their AI investments as they seek to become AI-powered companies to lead their market. This is creating demand for a new type of business process services: Intelligent Operations.

    Intelligent Operations answers these business needs, providing a consulting-led approach to transform and operate horizontal and vertical business processes leveraging Gen AI and Agentic AI. It addresses clients’ goal of efficiency, speed and agility through process hyper-automation, while significantly improving business outcomes by combining data, AI and digital.

    AI technologies trigger a paradigm shift in delivering business process services: from labor-intensive services to being consulting-led and tech-driven. In parallel, client focus has shifted from efficiency gains toward end-to-end value creation and business outcomes, opening opportunities to add non-linear revenues (i.e. transaction-based, subscription-based or outcome-based models). This is creating a rapidly growing market opportunity.

    Combining the capabilities and scale required to lead in Intelligent Operations

    Both Capgemini and WNS are already pioneering Intelligent Operations. Capgemini with its consulting-led end-to-end transformation of processes, advanced AI tools and technology stacks, and BPS platforms, while WNS has developed a set of sector-specific AI-led solutions recently augmented by the acquisition of Kipi.ai7 to strengthen its data, analytics and AI capabilities.

    The combination of Capgemini and WNS will act as a catalyst to lead in Intelligent Operations providing the required scale and unique set of capabilities from Strategy & Transformation consulting, to horizontal and sector expertise, platform offerings to deep AI and technology capabilities.

    This combination will also leverage the significant investments made by Capgemini in AI through training, offers and its 25 strategic partnerships, including Microsoft, Google, AWS, Mistral AI and NVIDIA. The Group’s leadership is recognized by its clients, with over €900 million of Gen AI bookings in 2024, and by market analysts such as Forrester, IDC and ISG.

    This transaction will reinforce Capgemini as a business and transformation partner to those enterprises who want to become AI-powered businesses.

    Value creation

    Based on calendar year 2024 published information, the combined entities would have generated a revenue of €23.3 billion at a 13.6% operating margin6 in 2024.

    The Group expects accretion to normalized EPS, before synergies from the combination, of 4% in 2026.

    Capgemini expects revenue synergies run-rate of €100 million to €140 million by the end of 2027. Costs and operating model synergies are anticipated to reach an annual pretax run-rate of between €50 million and €70 million by the end of 2027.

    With the benefits of these synergies, the accretion on normalized earnings per share should reach 7% in 2027.

    Smooth integration

    WNS and Capgemini have a natural cultural fit and share common values that will facilitate a smooth integration of the teams, helped by the Group’s track record of successful integrations. Furthermore, the integration will be straightforward into Capgemini’s Global Business Services activities.

    Key transaction terms and timeline

    The contemplated transaction will be implemented by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under the laws of Jersey. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both Capgemini’s and WNS’ Boards of Directors.

    The transaction is subject to approval by the Royal Court of Jersey and WNS’ shareholders, as well as to receipt of customary regulatory approvals and other conditions. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur by the end of the year.

    Full details of the terms and conditions of the transaction are set out in the transaction agreement, which may be obtained, free of charge, on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) when available, and WNS’ website at https://www.WNS.com.

    Financing

    Capgemini has secured a bridge financing of €4.0 billion, covering the purchase of securities ($3.3 billion), as well as the gross debt and similar obligations8 of around $0.4 billion and the €0.8 billion Capgemini bond redeemed in June 2025.

    The Group plans to refinance the bridge with available cash for around €1.0 billion and the balance by debt issuance.

    Q2 and H1 2025 performance

    The Group expects Q2 2025 year-on-year growth at constant currency to be slightly better than the -0.4% reported in Q1 2025. The Group also expects for H1 2025 the operating margin to be stable year-on-year at 12.4%.

    Due to the nature and timing of this announcement, the actual Q2 and H1 2025 performance may slightly differ from the above-mentioned expectations. H1 2025 publication will take place as planned on July 30, 2025.

    Outlook

    Capgemini’s financial targets for 2025 do not take into account this transaction and are therefore unchanged:

    • Revenue growth of -2.0% to +2.0% at constant currency;
    • Operating margin of 13.3% to 13.5%;
    • Organic free cash flow of around €1.9 billion.

    Conference call

    Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by Nive Bhagat, Chief Financial Officer, will comment on this announcement during two audio webcasts (in English only) to be held today:

    • at 8.00 a.m. Paris time (CET)
      • for “listen-only” participants: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/npdpfjyy
        • for investors and financial analysts who wish to take part in the Q&A session, please pre-register on the following link to receive the dial-in information
    • and at 3.00 p.m. Paris time (CET)
      • for “listen-only” participants: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/y5nk6iup
        • for investors and financial analysts who wish to take part in the Q&A session, please pre-register on the following link to receive the dial-in information

    Replays of both calls will be available, from the same links, shortly after the event and for a period of one year.

    All documents relating to this publication will be posted on the Capgemini investor website at https://investors.capgemini.com/en/.

    IMPORTANT NOTICE

    This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. In connection with the Transaction, WNS will provide to its shareholders and file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a circular relating to the Transaction (the “scheme document”) and may also file other documents with the SEC.

    The scheme document will contain the full terms and conditions of the Transaction, including details with respect to the WNS shareholder vote in respect of the Transaction and will be sent or otherwise disseminated to WNS’ shareholders and will contain important information about the Transaction and related matters. Any decision in respect of, or other response to, the Transaction should be made only on the basis of the information contained in the scheme document.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF WNS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE SCHEME DOCUMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION.

    The scheme document and other relevant documents may be obtained, free of charge, on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), when available. WNS’ shareholders may obtain free copies of the scheme document once it is available from WNS by going to WNS’ website at https://www.wns.com.

    PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

    Capgemini, WNS and certain of their respective directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of WNS’ shareholders in connection with the Transaction. Additional information regarding the foregoing persons, including their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the scheme document and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC. WNS’ shareholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the directors and officers of WNS in WNS’ periodic reports filed with the SEC available on WNS’ website at https://www.wns.com, and regarding the directors and officers of Capgemini in Capgemini’s most recent Universal Registration Document (Document d’Enregistrement Universel) available on Capgemini’s website (https://www.capgemini.com/us-en/).

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain information in this announcement, as well as oral statements made regarding the Transaction, and other information published by WNS, Capgemini or any member of the Capgemini Group contain statements which are, or may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”, including, but not limited to, the acceleration of Capgemini and WNS’ growth and the value-additive nature of the Transaction for Capgemini shareholders. The words “anticipates”, “expects”, “believes”, “intends, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “may”, “would”, “will”, “should”, “continue”, or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and on numerous assumptions regarding the business strategies and the environment in which Capgemini, any member of the Capgemini Group, including WNS and its subsidiaries following the Transaction (“Post-Transaction Group”) shall operate in the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. The forward looking statements contained in this announcement relate to Capgemini, any member of the Capgemini Group or the Post-Transaction Group’s future prospects, developments and business strategies, the expected timing and scope of the Transaction and other statements other than historical facts. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect such forward-looking statements, please refer, without limitations, to the risks identified in Capgemini’s most recent Universal Registration Document (Document d’Enregistrement Universel) available on Capgemini’s website (https://www.capgemini.com/us-en/). Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to, the following risks relating to the Transaction, including in respect of the satisfaction of closing conditions to the Transaction on a timely basis or at all, including the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals and the required scheme shareholder approval; unanticipated difficulties and/or expenditures relating to the Transaction and any related financing; uncertainties as to the timing of the Transaction; litigation relating to, or other challenges to, the Transaction; the impact of the Transaction on each company’s business operations (including the threatened or actual loss of employees, clients or suppliers); the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining cost savings and synergies from the Transaction; incurrence of unexpected costs and expenses in connection with the Transaction; risks related to changes in the financial, equity and debt markets; and risks related to political, economic and market conditions. In addition, the risks to which WNS’ business is subject, including those risks described in WNS’ periodic reports filed with the SEC, could adversely affect the Transaction and, following the completion of the Transaction, the Company’s operations and future prospects. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Capgemini and WNS to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

    Specifically, statements of estimated cost savings and synergies relate to future actions and circumstances which, by their nature involve, risks, uncertainties and contingencies. As a result, the cost savings and synergies referred to may not be achieved, may be achieved later or sooner than estimated, or those achieved could be materially different from those estimated. Due to the scale of the Post-Transaction Group, there may be additional changes to the Post-Transaction Group’s operations. As a result, and given the fact that the changes relate to the future, the resulting cost synergies may be materially greater or less than those estimated.

    Forward-looking statements contained herein are only based upon currently available information and speak only as of the date of this announcement, and Capgemini expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Capgemini’s expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and should not be relied upon for any reason.

    The anticipated financial impact of the acquisition of WNS and any references to future financial performance should not be viewed as management guidance. Actual results may differ from the statements set forth herein and such differences may be material.

    ABOUT CAPGEMINI

    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    ABOUT WNS

    WNS is a digital-led business transformation and services company. WNS combines deep domain expertise with talent, technology, and AI to co-create innovative solutions for over 600 clients across various industries. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of solutions including industry-specific offerings, customer experience services, finance and accounting, human resources, procurement, and research and analytics to re-imagine the digital future of businesses. As of March 31, 2025, WNS had 64,505 professionals across 64 delivery centers worldwide including facilities in Canada, China, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    For more information, visit www.wns.com

    1 Volume-weighted average
    2 Net financial debt of WNS was negligible as at March 31, 2025
    3 Clients of WNS based on public domain information
    4 WNS fiscal year ends March 31. Last 3 fiscal years end March 2025.
    5 Revenue represents revenue less repair payments
    6 WNS “Adjusted operating profit” restated to expense amortization of intangible assets (software) above operating margin to conform to Capgemini’s definition of operating margin.
    7 See https://ir.wns.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wns-acquires-kipiai-expand-data-analytics-ai-capabilities
    8 Including considerations to be paid in connection with Restricted Share Units

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini to acquire WNS to create a global leader in Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Media relations:
    Victoire Grux
    Tel.: +33 6 04 52 16 55
    victoire.grux@capgemini.com

    Investor relations:
    Vincent Biraud
    Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 87
    vincent.biraud@capgemini.com

    Capgemini to acquire WNS to create a global leader in Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations

    • Creation of a leader in Intelligent Operations to capture enterprise investment in Agentic AI to transform their end-to-end business processes
    • Acquisition of a leading player in Digital BPS (Business Process Services) to combine capabilities and scale to address the strategic opportunity driven by Agentic AI
    • Transaction immediately accretive to Capgemini’s revenue growth and operating margin
    • Expected accretion to Capgemini’s normalized EPS of 4% before synergies in 2026, and 7% post-synergies in 2027
    • Definitive transaction agreement entered into pursuant to which Capgemini will acquire WNS for a cash consideration of 76.50 USD per share
    • Transaction unanimously approved by the board of directors of both companies and expected to close by the end of the year

    Paris, July 7, 2025 – Capgemini (Euronext Paris: CAP), a global business and technology transformation partner, and WNS (NYSE: WNS), a leading digital-led business transformation and services company, today announced that they have entered into a definitive transaction agreement pursuant to which Capgemini will acquire WNS for a cash consideration of 76.50 USD per WNS share, which represents a premium of 28% to the last 90-day average1 share price, of 27% to the last 30-day average1 share price and a premium of 17% to the last closing share price on July 3, 2025. The total cash consideration will amount to $3.3 billion, excluding WNS net financial debt2. The transaction will be accretive to Capgemini’s normalized EPS by 4% before synergies in 2026 and 7% post synergies in 2027. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both Capgemini’s and WNS’ Boards of Directors.

    “Enterprises are rapidly adopting Generative AI and Agentic AI to transform their operations end-to-end. Business Process Services will be the showcase for Agentic AI. Capgemini’s acquisition of WNS will provide the Group with the scale and vertical sector expertise to capture that rapidly emerging strategic opportunity created by the paradigm shift from traditional BPS to Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations,” comments Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini. “Together we will create a leader in Intelligent Operations, uniquely positioned to support organizations in their AI-powered business process transformation, blending the critical capabilities needed from consulting, technology and platforms to deep process and industry expertise. This will address the client needs for Agentic AI-driven process transformation to deliver efficiency and agility through hyper-automation while achieving superior business outcomes.

    WNS brings to the Group its high growth, margin accretive and resilient Digital Business Process Services, which is the springboard to Intelligent Operations, while further increasing our exposure to the US market. Immediate cross-selling opportunities will be unlocked through the integration of our complementary offerings and clients. I am looking forward to welcoming the WNS global team to Capgemini.”

    “As a recognized leader in the Digital Business Process Services space, we see the next wave of transformation being driven by intelligent, domain-centric operations that unlock strategic value for our clients. Organizations that have already digitized are now seeking to reimagine their operating models by embedding AI at the core—shifting from automation to autonomy,” said Keshav R. Murugesh, Chief Executive Officer of WNS. “By combining our deep domain and process expertise with Capgemini’s global reach, cutting-edge Gen AI and Agentic AI capabilities, a robust partner ecosystem, and advanced technology platforms, we are creating a powerful proposition that accelerates enterprise reinvention. WNS’ complementary portfolio of horizontal and industry-specific solutions will significantly enhance Capgemini’s rapidly growing Business Services footprint, enabling next-generation, data-driven operations across sectors. Just as importantly, our shared values, cultural alignment, and complementary client relationships ensure a seamless integration—unlocking exciting opportunities for innovation, co-creation, and growth across all stakeholder groups.”

    “WNS and Capgemini share a bold, future-focused vision for Intelligent Operations. I’m confident that Capgemini is the ideal partner at the right time in WNS’ journey to extend our capabilities, accelerate innovation, and establish a leadership position in this rapidly evolving market,” said Timothy L. Main, Chairman of WNS Board of Directors. “This marks a pivotal chapter in WNS’ growth—enhancing the resilience and agility of our clients through advanced AI-driven solutions, creating sustained value for our investors, and opening up new avenues for our employees to thrive within a global technology powerhouse.”

    WNS, a leader in the resilient high-growth and margin accretive Digital BPS market

    WNS is a leading and trusted business transformation and services partner that uniquely blends deep industry knowledge with business process management, technology, analytics and AI expertise to create market differentiation for clients. With digital-led transformation solutions deployed to clients across 8 industries where it deploys its highly automated platforms to deliver stronger business outcomes, WNS is a leader in Digital Business Process Services (BPS). This operating model enables strategic engagements that are critical to clients’ daily operations materialized in long-term contracts with recurring revenues streams. Through an expanded ecosystem of partners and network of delivery centers, WNS serves a large portfolio of blue-chip clients, such as3 United Airlines, Aviva, M&T Bank, Centrica and McCain Foods.

    The high-quality business model of WNS, supported by non-linear pricing models and superior profitability has driven a c.+9% constant currency revenue growth on average over the last 3 fiscal years4, to reach $1,266 million of revenue5 in fiscal year 20254 with an 18.7%6 operating margin.

    Global organizations are in constant need of strategic partners to support their transformation to enhance efficiency and accelerate growth. This continues to be a key driver of the Digital BPS market and WNS targets revenue growth of +7% to +11% for FY2026.

    Immediate unlocking of value

    This transaction will position Capgemini as a leader in Digital BPS blending horizontal and vertical process expertise, with a global footprint. With combined revenues of €1.9 billion in 2024 in Digital BPS, this will strengthen Capgemini’s ability to accompany clients on their business and technology transformation journeys.

    The mix of WNS and Capgemini’s complementary offerings and clients will immediately unlock cross-selling opportunities. It will also lay down the foundations to build the capabilities to seize the Intelligent Operations strategic market opportunity.

    Intelligent Operations – Agentic AI creates a paradigm shift that opens a strategic opportunity

    The largest opportunity for global organizations to create value with Gen AI and Agentic AI lies in the fundamental redesign of their operations and business processes. It will attract a significant share of their AI investments as they seek to become AI-powered companies to lead their market. This is creating demand for a new type of business process services: Intelligent Operations.

    Intelligent Operations answers these business needs, providing a consulting-led approach to transform and operate horizontal and vertical business processes leveraging Gen AI and Agentic AI. It addresses clients’ goal of efficiency, speed and agility through process hyper-automation, while significantly improving business outcomes by combining data, AI and digital.

    AI technologies trigger a paradigm shift in delivering business process services: from labor-intensive services to being consulting-led and tech-driven. In parallel, client focus has shifted from efficiency gains toward end-to-end value creation and business outcomes, opening opportunities to add non-linear revenues (i.e. transaction-based, subscription-based or outcome-based models). This is creating a rapidly growing market opportunity.

    Combining the capabilities and scale required to lead in Intelligent Operations

    Both Capgemini and WNS are already pioneering Intelligent Operations. Capgemini with its consulting-led end-to-end transformation of processes, advanced AI tools and technology stacks, and BPS platforms, while WNS has developed a set of sector-specific AI-led solutions recently augmented by the acquisition of Kipi.ai7 to strengthen its data, analytics and AI capabilities.

    The combination of Capgemini and WNS will act as a catalyst to lead in Intelligent Operations providing the required scale and unique set of capabilities from Strategy & Transformation consulting, to horizontal and sector expertise, platform offerings to deep AI and technology capabilities.

    This combination will also leverage the significant investments made by Capgemini in AI through training, offers and its 25 strategic partnerships, including Microsoft, Google, AWS, Mistral AI and NVIDIA. The Group’s leadership is recognized by its clients, with over €900 million of Gen AI bookings in 2024, and by market analysts such as Forrester, IDC and ISG.

    This transaction will reinforce Capgemini as a business and transformation partner to those enterprises who want to become AI-powered businesses.

    Value creation

    Based on calendar year 2024 published information, the combined entities would have generated a revenue of €23.3 billion at a 13.6% operating margin6 in 2024.

    The Group expects accretion to normalized EPS, before synergies from the combination, of 4% in 2026.

    Capgemini expects revenue synergies run-rate of €100 million to €140 million by the end of 2027. Costs and operating model synergies are anticipated to reach an annual pretax run-rate of between €50 million and €70 million by the end of 2027.

    With the benefits of these synergies, the accretion on normalized earnings per share should reach 7% in 2027.

    Smooth integration

    WNS and Capgemini have a natural cultural fit and share common values that will facilitate a smooth integration of the teams, helped by the Group’s track record of successful integrations. Furthermore, the integration will be straightforward into Capgemini’s Global Business Services activities.

    Key transaction terms and timeline

    The contemplated transaction will be implemented by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under the laws of Jersey. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both Capgemini’s and WNS’ Boards of Directors.

    The transaction is subject to approval by the Royal Court of Jersey and WNS’ shareholders, as well as to receipt of customary regulatory approvals and other conditions. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur by the end of the year.

    Full details of the terms and conditions of the transaction are set out in the transaction agreement, which may be obtained, free of charge, on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) when available, and WNS’ website at https://www.WNS.com.

    Financing

    Capgemini has secured a bridge financing of €4.0 billion, covering the purchase of securities ($3.3 billion), as well as the gross debt and similar obligations8 of around $0.4 billion and the €0.8 billion Capgemini bond redeemed in June 2025.

    The Group plans to refinance the bridge with available cash for around €1.0 billion and the balance by debt issuance.

    Q2 and H1 2025 performance

    The Group expects Q2 2025 year-on-year growth at constant currency to be slightly better than the -0.4% reported in Q1 2025. The Group also expects for H1 2025 the operating margin to be stable year-on-year at 12.4%.

    Due to the nature and timing of this announcement, the actual Q2 and H1 2025 performance may slightly differ from the above-mentioned expectations. H1 2025 publication will take place as planned on July 30, 2025.

    Outlook

    Capgemini’s financial targets for 2025 do not take into account this transaction and are therefore unchanged:

    • Revenue growth of -2.0% to +2.0% at constant currency;
    • Operating margin of 13.3% to 13.5%;
    • Organic free cash flow of around €1.9 billion.

    Conference call

    Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by Nive Bhagat, Chief Financial Officer, will comment on this announcement during two audio webcasts (in English only) to be held today:

    • at 8.00 a.m. Paris time (CET)
      • for “listen-only” participants: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/npdpfjyy
        • for investors and financial analysts who wish to take part in the Q&A session, please pre-register on the following link to receive the dial-in information
    • and at 3.00 p.m. Paris time (CET)
      • for “listen-only” participants: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/y5nk6iup
        • for investors and financial analysts who wish to take part in the Q&A session, please pre-register on the following link to receive the dial-in information

    Replays of both calls will be available, from the same links, shortly after the event and for a period of one year.

    All documents relating to this publication will be posted on the Capgemini investor website at https://investors.capgemini.com/en/.

    IMPORTANT NOTICE

    This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. In connection with the Transaction, WNS will provide to its shareholders and file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a circular relating to the Transaction (the “scheme document”) and may also file other documents with the SEC.

    The scheme document will contain the full terms and conditions of the Transaction, including details with respect to the WNS shareholder vote in respect of the Transaction and will be sent or otherwise disseminated to WNS’ shareholders and will contain important information about the Transaction and related matters. Any decision in respect of, or other response to, the Transaction should be made only on the basis of the information contained in the scheme document.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF WNS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE SCHEME DOCUMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION.

    The scheme document and other relevant documents may be obtained, free of charge, on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), when available. WNS’ shareholders may obtain free copies of the scheme document once it is available from WNS by going to WNS’ website at https://www.wns.com.

    PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

    Capgemini, WNS and certain of their respective directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of WNS’ shareholders in connection with the Transaction. Additional information regarding the foregoing persons, including their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the scheme document and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC. WNS’ shareholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the directors and officers of WNS in WNS’ periodic reports filed with the SEC available on WNS’ website at https://www.wns.com, and regarding the directors and officers of Capgemini in Capgemini’s most recent Universal Registration Document (Document d’Enregistrement Universel) available on Capgemini’s website (https://www.capgemini.com/us-en/).

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain information in this announcement, as well as oral statements made regarding the Transaction, and other information published by WNS, Capgemini or any member of the Capgemini Group contain statements which are, or may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”, including, but not limited to, the acceleration of Capgemini and WNS’ growth and the value-additive nature of the Transaction for Capgemini shareholders. The words “anticipates”, “expects”, “believes”, “intends, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “may”, “would”, “will”, “should”, “continue”, or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and on numerous assumptions regarding the business strategies and the environment in which Capgemini, any member of the Capgemini Group, including WNS and its subsidiaries following the Transaction (“Post-Transaction Group”) shall operate in the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. The forward looking statements contained in this announcement relate to Capgemini, any member of the Capgemini Group or the Post-Transaction Group’s future prospects, developments and business strategies, the expected timing and scope of the Transaction and other statements other than historical facts. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect such forward-looking statements, please refer, without limitations, to the risks identified in Capgemini’s most recent Universal Registration Document (Document d’Enregistrement Universel) available on Capgemini’s website (https://www.capgemini.com/us-en/). Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to, the following risks relating to the Transaction, including in respect of the satisfaction of closing conditions to the Transaction on a timely basis or at all, including the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals and the required scheme shareholder approval; unanticipated difficulties and/or expenditures relating to the Transaction and any related financing; uncertainties as to the timing of the Transaction; litigation relating to, or other challenges to, the Transaction; the impact of the Transaction on each company’s business operations (including the threatened or actual loss of employees, clients or suppliers); the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining cost savings and synergies from the Transaction; incurrence of unexpected costs and expenses in connection with the Transaction; risks related to changes in the financial, equity and debt markets; and risks related to political, economic and market conditions. In addition, the risks to which WNS’ business is subject, including those risks described in WNS’ periodic reports filed with the SEC, could adversely affect the Transaction and, following the completion of the Transaction, the Company’s operations and future prospects. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Capgemini and WNS to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

    Specifically, statements of estimated cost savings and synergies relate to future actions and circumstances which, by their nature involve, risks, uncertainties and contingencies. As a result, the cost savings and synergies referred to may not be achieved, may be achieved later or sooner than estimated, or those achieved could be materially different from those estimated. Due to the scale of the Post-Transaction Group, there may be additional changes to the Post-Transaction Group’s operations. As a result, and given the fact that the changes relate to the future, the resulting cost synergies may be materially greater or less than those estimated.

    Forward-looking statements contained herein are only based upon currently available information and speak only as of the date of this announcement, and Capgemini expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Capgemini’s expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and should not be relied upon for any reason.

    The anticipated financial impact of the acquisition of WNS and any references to future financial performance should not be viewed as management guidance. Actual results may differ from the statements set forth herein and such differences may be material.

    ABOUT CAPGEMINI

    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    ABOUT WNS

    WNS is a digital-led business transformation and services company. WNS combines deep domain expertise with talent, technology, and AI to co-create innovative solutions for over 600 clients across various industries. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of solutions including industry-specific offerings, customer experience services, finance and accounting, human resources, procurement, and research and analytics to re-imagine the digital future of businesses. As of March 31, 2025, WNS had 64,505 professionals across 64 delivery centers worldwide including facilities in Canada, China, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    For more information, visit www.wns.com

    1 Volume-weighted average
    2 Net financial debt of WNS was negligible as at March 31, 2025
    3 Clients of WNS based on public domain information
    4 WNS fiscal year ends March 31. Last 3 fiscal years end March 2025.
    5 Revenue represents revenue less repair payments
    6 WNS “Adjusted operating profit” restated to expense amortization of intangible assets (software) above operating margin to conform to Capgemini’s definition of operating margin.
    7 See https://ir.wns.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wns-acquires-kipiai-expand-data-analytics-ai-capabilities
    8 Including considerations to be paid in connection with Restricted Share Units

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini to acquire WNS to create a global leader in Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Media relations:
    Victoire Grux
    Tel.: +33 6 04 52 16 55
    victoire.grux@capgemini.com

    Investor relations:
    Vincent Biraud
    Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 87
    vincent.biraud@capgemini.com

    Capgemini to acquire WNS to create a global leader in Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations

    • Creation of a leader in Intelligent Operations to capture enterprise investment in Agentic AI to transform their end-to-end business processes
    • Acquisition of a leading player in Digital BPS (Business Process Services) to combine capabilities and scale to address the strategic opportunity driven by Agentic AI
    • Transaction immediately accretive to Capgemini’s revenue growth and operating margin
    • Expected accretion to Capgemini’s normalized EPS of 4% before synergies in 2026, and 7% post-synergies in 2027
    • Definitive transaction agreement entered into pursuant to which Capgemini will acquire WNS for a cash consideration of 76.50 USD per share
    • Transaction unanimously approved by the board of directors of both companies and expected to close by the end of the year

    Paris, July 7, 2025 – Capgemini (Euronext Paris: CAP), a global business and technology transformation partner, and WNS (NYSE: WNS), a leading digital-led business transformation and services company, today announced that they have entered into a definitive transaction agreement pursuant to which Capgemini will acquire WNS for a cash consideration of 76.50 USD per WNS share, which represents a premium of 28% to the last 90-day average1 share price, of 27% to the last 30-day average1 share price and a premium of 17% to the last closing share price on July 3, 2025. The total cash consideration will amount to $3.3 billion, excluding WNS net financial debt2. The transaction will be accretive to Capgemini’s normalized EPS by 4% before synergies in 2026 and 7% post synergies in 2027. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both Capgemini’s and WNS’ Boards of Directors.

    “Enterprises are rapidly adopting Generative AI and Agentic AI to transform their operations end-to-end. Business Process Services will be the showcase for Agentic AI. Capgemini’s acquisition of WNS will provide the Group with the scale and vertical sector expertise to capture that rapidly emerging strategic opportunity created by the paradigm shift from traditional BPS to Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations,” comments Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini. “Together we will create a leader in Intelligent Operations, uniquely positioned to support organizations in their AI-powered business process transformation, blending the critical capabilities needed from consulting, technology and platforms to deep process and industry expertise. This will address the client needs for Agentic AI-driven process transformation to deliver efficiency and agility through hyper-automation while achieving superior business outcomes.

    WNS brings to the Group its high growth, margin accretive and resilient Digital Business Process Services, which is the springboard to Intelligent Operations, while further increasing our exposure to the US market. Immediate cross-selling opportunities will be unlocked through the integration of our complementary offerings and clients. I am looking forward to welcoming the WNS global team to Capgemini.”

    “As a recognized leader in the Digital Business Process Services space, we see the next wave of transformation being driven by intelligent, domain-centric operations that unlock strategic value for our clients. Organizations that have already digitized are now seeking to reimagine their operating models by embedding AI at the core—shifting from automation to autonomy,” said Keshav R. Murugesh, Chief Executive Officer of WNS. “By combining our deep domain and process expertise with Capgemini’s global reach, cutting-edge Gen AI and Agentic AI capabilities, a robust partner ecosystem, and advanced technology platforms, we are creating a powerful proposition that accelerates enterprise reinvention. WNS’ complementary portfolio of horizontal and industry-specific solutions will significantly enhance Capgemini’s rapidly growing Business Services footprint, enabling next-generation, data-driven operations across sectors. Just as importantly, our shared values, cultural alignment, and complementary client relationships ensure a seamless integration—unlocking exciting opportunities for innovation, co-creation, and growth across all stakeholder groups.”

    “WNS and Capgemini share a bold, future-focused vision for Intelligent Operations. I’m confident that Capgemini is the ideal partner at the right time in WNS’ journey to extend our capabilities, accelerate innovation, and establish a leadership position in this rapidly evolving market,” said Timothy L. Main, Chairman of WNS Board of Directors. “This marks a pivotal chapter in WNS’ growth—enhancing the resilience and agility of our clients through advanced AI-driven solutions, creating sustained value for our investors, and opening up new avenues for our employees to thrive within a global technology powerhouse.”

    WNS, a leader in the resilient high-growth and margin accretive Digital BPS market

    WNS is a leading and trusted business transformation and services partner that uniquely blends deep industry knowledge with business process management, technology, analytics and AI expertise to create market differentiation for clients. With digital-led transformation solutions deployed to clients across 8 industries where it deploys its highly automated platforms to deliver stronger business outcomes, WNS is a leader in Digital Business Process Services (BPS). This operating model enables strategic engagements that are critical to clients’ daily operations materialized in long-term contracts with recurring revenues streams. Through an expanded ecosystem of partners and network of delivery centers, WNS serves a large portfolio of blue-chip clients, such as3 United Airlines, Aviva, M&T Bank, Centrica and McCain Foods.

    The high-quality business model of WNS, supported by non-linear pricing models and superior profitability has driven a c.+9% constant currency revenue growth on average over the last 3 fiscal years4, to reach $1,266 million of revenue5 in fiscal year 20254 with an 18.7%6 operating margin.

    Global organizations are in constant need of strategic partners to support their transformation to enhance efficiency and accelerate growth. This continues to be a key driver of the Digital BPS market and WNS targets revenue growth of +7% to +11% for FY2026.

    Immediate unlocking of value

    This transaction will position Capgemini as a leader in Digital BPS blending horizontal and vertical process expertise, with a global footprint. With combined revenues of €1.9 billion in 2024 in Digital BPS, this will strengthen Capgemini’s ability to accompany clients on their business and technology transformation journeys.

    The mix of WNS and Capgemini’s complementary offerings and clients will immediately unlock cross-selling opportunities. It will also lay down the foundations to build the capabilities to seize the Intelligent Operations strategic market opportunity.

    Intelligent Operations – Agentic AI creates a paradigm shift that opens a strategic opportunity

    The largest opportunity for global organizations to create value with Gen AI and Agentic AI lies in the fundamental redesign of their operations and business processes. It will attract a significant share of their AI investments as they seek to become AI-powered companies to lead their market. This is creating demand for a new type of business process services: Intelligent Operations.

    Intelligent Operations answers these business needs, providing a consulting-led approach to transform and operate horizontal and vertical business processes leveraging Gen AI and Agentic AI. It addresses clients’ goal of efficiency, speed and agility through process hyper-automation, while significantly improving business outcomes by combining data, AI and digital.

    AI technologies trigger a paradigm shift in delivering business process services: from labor-intensive services to being consulting-led and tech-driven. In parallel, client focus has shifted from efficiency gains toward end-to-end value creation and business outcomes, opening opportunities to add non-linear revenues (i.e. transaction-based, subscription-based or outcome-based models). This is creating a rapidly growing market opportunity.

    Combining the capabilities and scale required to lead in Intelligent Operations

    Both Capgemini and WNS are already pioneering Intelligent Operations. Capgemini with its consulting-led end-to-end transformation of processes, advanced AI tools and technology stacks, and BPS platforms, while WNS has developed a set of sector-specific AI-led solutions recently augmented by the acquisition of Kipi.ai7 to strengthen its data, analytics and AI capabilities.

    The combination of Capgemini and WNS will act as a catalyst to lead in Intelligent Operations providing the required scale and unique set of capabilities from Strategy & Transformation consulting, to horizontal and sector expertise, platform offerings to deep AI and technology capabilities.

    This combination will also leverage the significant investments made by Capgemini in AI through training, offers and its 25 strategic partnerships, including Microsoft, Google, AWS, Mistral AI and NVIDIA. The Group’s leadership is recognized by its clients, with over €900 million of Gen AI bookings in 2024, and by market analysts such as Forrester, IDC and ISG.

    This transaction will reinforce Capgemini as a business and transformation partner to those enterprises who want to become AI-powered businesses.

    Value creation

    Based on calendar year 2024 published information, the combined entities would have generated a revenue of €23.3 billion at a 13.6% operating margin6 in 2024.

    The Group expects accretion to normalized EPS, before synergies from the combination, of 4% in 2026.

    Capgemini expects revenue synergies run-rate of €100 million to €140 million by the end of 2027. Costs and operating model synergies are anticipated to reach an annual pretax run-rate of between €50 million and €70 million by the end of 2027.

    With the benefits of these synergies, the accretion on normalized earnings per share should reach 7% in 2027.

    Smooth integration

    WNS and Capgemini have a natural cultural fit and share common values that will facilitate a smooth integration of the teams, helped by the Group’s track record of successful integrations. Furthermore, the integration will be straightforward into Capgemini’s Global Business Services activities.

    Key transaction terms and timeline

    The contemplated transaction will be implemented by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under the laws of Jersey. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both Capgemini’s and WNS’ Boards of Directors.

    The transaction is subject to approval by the Royal Court of Jersey and WNS’ shareholders, as well as to receipt of customary regulatory approvals and other conditions. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur by the end of the year.

    Full details of the terms and conditions of the transaction are set out in the transaction agreement, which may be obtained, free of charge, on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) when available, and WNS’ website at https://www.WNS.com.

    Financing

    Capgemini has secured a bridge financing of €4.0 billion, covering the purchase of securities ($3.3 billion), as well as the gross debt and similar obligations8 of around $0.4 billion and the €0.8 billion Capgemini bond redeemed in June 2025.

    The Group plans to refinance the bridge with available cash for around €1.0 billion and the balance by debt issuance.

    Q2 and H1 2025 performance

    The Group expects Q2 2025 year-on-year growth at constant currency to be slightly better than the -0.4% reported in Q1 2025. The Group also expects for H1 2025 the operating margin to be stable year-on-year at 12.4%.

    Due to the nature and timing of this announcement, the actual Q2 and H1 2025 performance may slightly differ from the above-mentioned expectations. H1 2025 publication will take place as planned on July 30, 2025.

    Outlook

    Capgemini’s financial targets for 2025 do not take into account this transaction and are therefore unchanged:

    • Revenue growth of -2.0% to +2.0% at constant currency;
    • Operating margin of 13.3% to 13.5%;
    • Organic free cash flow of around €1.9 billion.

    Conference call

    Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by Nive Bhagat, Chief Financial Officer, will comment on this announcement during two audio webcasts (in English only) to be held today:

    • at 8.00 a.m. Paris time (CET)
      • for “listen-only” participants: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/npdpfjyy
        • for investors and financial analysts who wish to take part in the Q&A session, please pre-register on the following link to receive the dial-in information
    • and at 3.00 p.m. Paris time (CET)
      • for “listen-only” participants: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/y5nk6iup
        • for investors and financial analysts who wish to take part in the Q&A session, please pre-register on the following link to receive the dial-in information

    Replays of both calls will be available, from the same links, shortly after the event and for a period of one year.

    All documents relating to this publication will be posted on the Capgemini investor website at https://investors.capgemini.com/en/.

    IMPORTANT NOTICE

    This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. In connection with the Transaction, WNS will provide to its shareholders and file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a circular relating to the Transaction (the “scheme document”) and may also file other documents with the SEC.

    The scheme document will contain the full terms and conditions of the Transaction, including details with respect to the WNS shareholder vote in respect of the Transaction and will be sent or otherwise disseminated to WNS’ shareholders and will contain important information about the Transaction and related matters. Any decision in respect of, or other response to, the Transaction should be made only on the basis of the information contained in the scheme document.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF WNS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE SCHEME DOCUMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION.

    The scheme document and other relevant documents may be obtained, free of charge, on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), when available. WNS’ shareholders may obtain free copies of the scheme document once it is available from WNS by going to WNS’ website at https://www.wns.com.

    PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

    Capgemini, WNS and certain of their respective directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of WNS’ shareholders in connection with the Transaction. Additional information regarding the foregoing persons, including their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the scheme document and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC. WNS’ shareholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the directors and officers of WNS in WNS’ periodic reports filed with the SEC available on WNS’ website at https://www.wns.com, and regarding the directors and officers of Capgemini in Capgemini’s most recent Universal Registration Document (Document d’Enregistrement Universel) available on Capgemini’s website (https://www.capgemini.com/us-en/).

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain information in this announcement, as well as oral statements made regarding the Transaction, and other information published by WNS, Capgemini or any member of the Capgemini Group contain statements which are, or may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”, including, but not limited to, the acceleration of Capgemini and WNS’ growth and the value-additive nature of the Transaction for Capgemini shareholders. The words “anticipates”, “expects”, “believes”, “intends, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “may”, “would”, “will”, “should”, “continue”, or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and on numerous assumptions regarding the business strategies and the environment in which Capgemini, any member of the Capgemini Group, including WNS and its subsidiaries following the Transaction (“Post-Transaction Group”) shall operate in the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. The forward looking statements contained in this announcement relate to Capgemini, any member of the Capgemini Group or the Post-Transaction Group’s future prospects, developments and business strategies, the expected timing and scope of the Transaction and other statements other than historical facts. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect such forward-looking statements, please refer, without limitations, to the risks identified in Capgemini’s most recent Universal Registration Document (Document d’Enregistrement Universel) available on Capgemini’s website (https://www.capgemini.com/us-en/). Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to, the following risks relating to the Transaction, including in respect of the satisfaction of closing conditions to the Transaction on a timely basis or at all, including the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals and the required scheme shareholder approval; unanticipated difficulties and/or expenditures relating to the Transaction and any related financing; uncertainties as to the timing of the Transaction; litigation relating to, or other challenges to, the Transaction; the impact of the Transaction on each company’s business operations (including the threatened or actual loss of employees, clients or suppliers); the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining cost savings and synergies from the Transaction; incurrence of unexpected costs and expenses in connection with the Transaction; risks related to changes in the financial, equity and debt markets; and risks related to political, economic and market conditions. In addition, the risks to which WNS’ business is subject, including those risks described in WNS’ periodic reports filed with the SEC, could adversely affect the Transaction and, following the completion of the Transaction, the Company’s operations and future prospects. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Capgemini and WNS to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

    Specifically, statements of estimated cost savings and synergies relate to future actions and circumstances which, by their nature involve, risks, uncertainties and contingencies. As a result, the cost savings and synergies referred to may not be achieved, may be achieved later or sooner than estimated, or those achieved could be materially different from those estimated. Due to the scale of the Post-Transaction Group, there may be additional changes to the Post-Transaction Group’s operations. As a result, and given the fact that the changes relate to the future, the resulting cost synergies may be materially greater or less than those estimated.

    Forward-looking statements contained herein are only based upon currently available information and speak only as of the date of this announcement, and Capgemini expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Capgemini’s expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and should not be relied upon for any reason.

    The anticipated financial impact of the acquisition of WNS and any references to future financial performance should not be viewed as management guidance. Actual results may differ from the statements set forth herein and such differences may be material.

    ABOUT CAPGEMINI

    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    ABOUT WNS

    WNS is a digital-led business transformation and services company. WNS combines deep domain expertise with talent, technology, and AI to co-create innovative solutions for over 600 clients across various industries. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of solutions including industry-specific offerings, customer experience services, finance and accounting, human resources, procurement, and research and analytics to re-imagine the digital future of businesses. As of March 31, 2025, WNS had 64,505 professionals across 64 delivery centers worldwide including facilities in Canada, China, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    For more information, visit www.wns.com

    1 Volume-weighted average
    2 Net financial debt of WNS was negligible as at March 31, 2025
    3 Clients of WNS based on public domain information
    4 WNS fiscal year ends March 31. Last 3 fiscal years end March 2025.
    5 Revenue represents revenue less repair payments
    6 WNS “Adjusted operating profit” restated to expense amortization of intangible assets (software) above operating margin to conform to Capgemini’s definition of operating margin.
    7 See https://ir.wns.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wns-acquires-kipiai-expand-data-analytics-ai-capabilities
    8 Including considerations to be paid in connection with Restricted Share Units

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • Indian stock market opens marginally lower amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian indices opened marginally lower on Monday amid mixed global cues, as selling was seen in the metal, auto, IT, PSU bank, pharma and financial service sectors in the early trade.

    At around 9.28 am, Sensex was trading 75.59 points or 0.09 per cent down at 83,357.30 while the Nifty declined 18.25 points or 0.07 per cent at 25,442.75.

    According to analysts, concerns surrounding a US-India trade deal and the fallout of SEBI’s report on Jane Street will influence market movements.

    “There are reports of a possible interim trade deal between US and India before the July 9th tariff deadline. If that happens, that would be a positive. The regulatory action on Jane Street and its implications will be closely watched by the market,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

    The volume of derivative trading is likely to take a hit impacting stock exchanges and some brokerages. This has implications for their stock prices, too. The short-term issues are unlikely to have any long-term impact on the market, he added.

    Nifty Bank was down 50.95 points or 0.09 per cent at 56,980.95 in early trade.

    The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,669.55 after declining 8.20 points or 0.01 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,025.45 after declining 7.60 points or 0.04 per cent.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, BEL, Tech Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Tech, SBI, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank were the top losers. Trent, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and HDFC Bank were the top gainers.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the fifth consecutive day, offloading equities worth Rs 760.11 crore on July 4. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also sold equities worth Rs 1,028.84 crore on the same day.

    In the Asian markets, Bangkok, Hong Kong , Japan, China and Jakarta were trading in red, whereas only Seoul was trading in green.

    In the last trading session on Thursday, Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,828.53, up 344.11 points, or 0.77 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 51.93 points, or 0.83 per cent at 6,279.35 and the Nasdaq closed at 20,601.10, up 207.97 points, or 1.02 per cent.

    (IANS)

  • Indian stock market opens marginally lower amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian indices opened marginally lower on Monday amid mixed global cues, as selling was seen in the metal, auto, IT, PSU bank, pharma and financial service sectors in the early trade.

    At around 9.28 am, Sensex was trading 75.59 points or 0.09 per cent down at 83,357.30 while the Nifty declined 18.25 points or 0.07 per cent at 25,442.75.

    According to analysts, concerns surrounding a US-India trade deal and the fallout of SEBI’s report on Jane Street will influence market movements.

    “There are reports of a possible interim trade deal between US and India before the July 9th tariff deadline. If that happens, that would be a positive. The regulatory action on Jane Street and its implications will be closely watched by the market,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

    The volume of derivative trading is likely to take a hit impacting stock exchanges and some brokerages. This has implications for their stock prices, too. The short-term issues are unlikely to have any long-term impact on the market, he added.

    Nifty Bank was down 50.95 points or 0.09 per cent at 56,980.95 in early trade.

    The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,669.55 after declining 8.20 points or 0.01 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,025.45 after declining 7.60 points or 0.04 per cent.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, BEL, Tech Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Tech, SBI, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank were the top losers. Trent, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and HDFC Bank were the top gainers.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the fifth consecutive day, offloading equities worth Rs 760.11 crore on July 4. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also sold equities worth Rs 1,028.84 crore on the same day.

    In the Asian markets, Bangkok, Hong Kong , Japan, China and Jakarta were trading in red, whereas only Seoul was trading in green.

    In the last trading session on Thursday, Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,828.53, up 344.11 points, or 0.77 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 51.93 points, or 0.83 per cent at 6,279.35 and the Nasdaq closed at 20,601.10, up 207.97 points, or 1.02 per cent.

    (IANS)

  • Indian stock market opens marginally lower amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian indices opened marginally lower on Monday amid mixed global cues, as selling was seen in the metal, auto, IT, PSU bank, pharma and financial service sectors in the early trade.

    At around 9.28 am, Sensex was trading 75.59 points or 0.09 per cent down at 83,357.30 while the Nifty declined 18.25 points or 0.07 per cent at 25,442.75.

    According to analysts, concerns surrounding a US-India trade deal and the fallout of SEBI’s report on Jane Street will influence market movements.

    “There are reports of a possible interim trade deal between US and India before the July 9th tariff deadline. If that happens, that would be a positive. The regulatory action on Jane Street and its implications will be closely watched by the market,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

    The volume of derivative trading is likely to take a hit impacting stock exchanges and some brokerages. This has implications for their stock prices, too. The short-term issues are unlikely to have any long-term impact on the market, he added.

    Nifty Bank was down 50.95 points or 0.09 per cent at 56,980.95 in early trade.

    The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,669.55 after declining 8.20 points or 0.01 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,025.45 after declining 7.60 points or 0.04 per cent.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, BEL, Tech Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Tech, SBI, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank were the top losers. Trent, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and HDFC Bank were the top gainers.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the fifth consecutive day, offloading equities worth Rs 760.11 crore on July 4. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also sold equities worth Rs 1,028.84 crore on the same day.

    In the Asian markets, Bangkok, Hong Kong , Japan, China and Jakarta were trading in red, whereas only Seoul was trading in green.

    In the last trading session on Thursday, Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,828.53, up 344.11 points, or 0.77 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 51.93 points, or 0.83 per cent at 6,279.35 and the Nasdaq closed at 20,601.10, up 207.97 points, or 1.02 per cent.

    (IANS)

  • Indian stock market opens marginally lower amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian indices opened marginally lower on Monday amid mixed global cues, as selling was seen in the metal, auto, IT, PSU bank, pharma and financial service sectors in the early trade.

    At around 9.28 am, Sensex was trading 75.59 points or 0.09 per cent down at 83,357.30 while the Nifty declined 18.25 points or 0.07 per cent at 25,442.75.

    According to analysts, concerns surrounding a US-India trade deal and the fallout of SEBI’s report on Jane Street will influence market movements.

    “There are reports of a possible interim trade deal between US and India before the July 9th tariff deadline. If that happens, that would be a positive. The regulatory action on Jane Street and its implications will be closely watched by the market,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

    The volume of derivative trading is likely to take a hit impacting stock exchanges and some brokerages. This has implications for their stock prices, too. The short-term issues are unlikely to have any long-term impact on the market, he added.

    Nifty Bank was down 50.95 points or 0.09 per cent at 56,980.95 in early trade.

    The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,669.55 after declining 8.20 points or 0.01 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,025.45 after declining 7.60 points or 0.04 per cent.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, BEL, Tech Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Tech, SBI, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank were the top losers. Trent, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and HDFC Bank were the top gainers.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the fifth consecutive day, offloading equities worth Rs 760.11 crore on July 4. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also sold equities worth Rs 1,028.84 crore on the same day.

    In the Asian markets, Bangkok, Hong Kong , Japan, China and Jakarta were trading in red, whereas only Seoul was trading in green.

    In the last trading session on Thursday, Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,828.53, up 344.11 points, or 0.77 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 51.93 points, or 0.83 per cent at 6,279.35 and the Nasdaq closed at 20,601.10, up 207.97 points, or 1.02 per cent.

    (IANS)

  • Trump calls Musk’s formation of new party ‘ridiculous’ and criticizes his own NASA pick

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump on Sunday called Elon Musk’s plans to form a new political party “ridiculous,” launching new barbs at the tech billionaire and saying the Musk ally he once named to lead NASA would have presented a conflict of interest given Musk’s business interests in space.

    A day after Musk escalated his feud with Trump and announced the formation of a new U.S. political party, the Republican president was asked about it before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, as he returned to Washington upon visiting his nearby golf club.

    “I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party. We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party. The Democrats have lost their way, but it’s always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion,” Trump told reporters.

    “It really seems to have been developed for two parties. Third parties have never worked, so he can have fun with it, but I think it’s ridiculous.”

    Shortly after speaking about Musk, Trump posted further comments on his Truth Social platform, saying, “I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks.”

    Musk announced on Saturday that he is establishing the “America Party” in response to Trump’s tax-cut and spending bill, which Musk said would bankrupt the country.

    “What the heck was the point of @DOGE if he’s just going to increase the debt by $5 trillion??” Musk wrote on X on Sunday, referring to the government downsizing agency he briefly led. Critics have said the bill will damage the U.S. economy by significantly adding to the federal budget deficit.

    Musk said his new party would in next year’s midterm elections look to unseat Republican lawmakers in Congress who backed the sweeping measure known as the “big, beautiful bill.”

    Musk spent millions of dollars underwriting Trump’s 2024 re-election effort and, for a time, regularly showed up at the president’s side in the White House Oval Office and elsewhere. Their disagreement over the spending bill led to a falling out that Musk briefly tried unsuccessfully to repair.

    Trump has said Musk is unhappy because the measure, which Trump signed into law on Friday, takes away green-energy credits for Tesla’s electric vehicles. The president has threatened to pull billions of dollars Tesla and SpaceX receive in government contracts and subsidies in response to Musk’s criticism.

    NASA APPOINTMENT ‘INAPPROPRIATE’

    Trump in his social media comments also said it was “inappropriate” to have named Musk ally Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator considering Musk’s business with the space agency. In December Trump named Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut, to lead NASA but withdrew the nomination on May 31, before his Senate confirmation vote and without explanation.

    Trump, who has yet to announce a new NASA nominee, on Sunday confirmed media reports he disapproved of Isaacman’s previous support for Democratic politicians.

    “I also thought it inappropriate that a very close friend of Elon, who was in the Space Business, run NASA, when NASA is such a big part of Elon’s corporate life,” Trump said on Truth Social. “My Number One charge is to protect the American Public!”

    Musk’s announcement of a new party immediately brought a rebuke from Azoria Partners, which said on Saturday it will postpone the listing of its Azoria Tesla Convexity exchange-traded fund because the party’s creation posed “a conflict with his full-time responsibilities as CEO.” Azoria was set to launch the Tesla ETF this week.

    Azoria CEO James Fishback posted on X several critical comments about the new party and reiterated his support for Trump.

    “I encourage the Board to meet immediately and ask Elon to clarify his political ambitions and evaluate whether they are compatible with his full-time obligations to Tesla as CEO,” Fishback said.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump calls Musk’s formation of new party ‘ridiculous’ and criticizes his own NASA pick

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump on Sunday called Elon Musk’s plans to form a new political party “ridiculous,” launching new barbs at the tech billionaire and saying the Musk ally he once named to lead NASA would have presented a conflict of interest given Musk’s business interests in space.

    A day after Musk escalated his feud with Trump and announced the formation of a new U.S. political party, the Republican president was asked about it before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, as he returned to Washington upon visiting his nearby golf club.

    “I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party. We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party. The Democrats have lost their way, but it’s always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion,” Trump told reporters.

    “It really seems to have been developed for two parties. Third parties have never worked, so he can have fun with it, but I think it’s ridiculous.”

    Shortly after speaking about Musk, Trump posted further comments on his Truth Social platform, saying, “I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks.”

    Musk announced on Saturday that he is establishing the “America Party” in response to Trump’s tax-cut and spending bill, which Musk said would bankrupt the country.

    “What the heck was the point of @DOGE if he’s just going to increase the debt by $5 trillion??” Musk wrote on X on Sunday, referring to the government downsizing agency he briefly led. Critics have said the bill will damage the U.S. economy by significantly adding to the federal budget deficit.

    Musk said his new party would in next year’s midterm elections look to unseat Republican lawmakers in Congress who backed the sweeping measure known as the “big, beautiful bill.”

    Musk spent millions of dollars underwriting Trump’s 2024 re-election effort and, for a time, regularly showed up at the president’s side in the White House Oval Office and elsewhere. Their disagreement over the spending bill led to a falling out that Musk briefly tried unsuccessfully to repair.

    Trump has said Musk is unhappy because the measure, which Trump signed into law on Friday, takes away green-energy credits for Tesla’s electric vehicles. The president has threatened to pull billions of dollars Tesla and SpaceX receive in government contracts and subsidies in response to Musk’s criticism.

    NASA APPOINTMENT ‘INAPPROPRIATE’

    Trump in his social media comments also said it was “inappropriate” to have named Musk ally Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator considering Musk’s business with the space agency. In December Trump named Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut, to lead NASA but withdrew the nomination on May 31, before his Senate confirmation vote and without explanation.

    Trump, who has yet to announce a new NASA nominee, on Sunday confirmed media reports he disapproved of Isaacman’s previous support for Democratic politicians.

    “I also thought it inappropriate that a very close friend of Elon, who was in the Space Business, run NASA, when NASA is such a big part of Elon’s corporate life,” Trump said on Truth Social. “My Number One charge is to protect the American Public!”

    Musk’s announcement of a new party immediately brought a rebuke from Azoria Partners, which said on Saturday it will postpone the listing of its Azoria Tesla Convexity exchange-traded fund because the party’s creation posed “a conflict with his full-time responsibilities as CEO.” Azoria was set to launch the Tesla ETF this week.

    Azoria CEO James Fishback posted on X several critical comments about the new party and reiterated his support for Trump.

    “I encourage the Board to meet immediately and ask Elon to clarify his political ambitions and evaluate whether they are compatible with his full-time obligations to Tesla as CEO,” Fishback said.

    (Reuters)

  • South Korea court to hold July 9 hearing on ex-leader Yoon’s detention warrant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Seoul court plans to hold a hearing on Wednesday to review a request by special prosecutors to detain former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, a court official said on Monday.

    The special counsel team investigating Yoon’s martial law declaration in December has filed a request to the Seoul Central District Court to detain Yoon on allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice.

    Yoon has been accused of mobilising presidential guards to stop authorities from arresting him in January. He eventually was taken into custody but released from jail after 52 days on technical grounds.

    The special prosecution that kicked off its investigation after new leader Lee Jae Myung was elected in June has been looking into additional charges against Yoon, who is already on trial for insurrection related to his short-lived martial law.

    The detention warrant request was made on the grounds of the risk of him being a flight risk and concerns that he might interfere with witnesses linked to his case, local media reported, citing a special prosecutors’ request.

    Yoon’s lawyers have rejected the allegations against him.

    (Reuters)

  • Typhoon Danas lashes southern Taiwan with record winds, injuring hundreds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Typhoon Danas lashed southern Taiwan with record winds and strong rain early on Monday, killing two people and injuring more than 330 in a rare hit to the island’s densely populated west coast, where businesses and schools were shut.

    Taiwan is regularly struck by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.

    Typhoon Danas, at one point listed by Taiwan’s weather authority at the second-strongest level, headed northerly towards the Taiwan Strait after making landfall along its southwestern coast late on Sunday.

    It has greatly weakened since and was forecast to hit eastern China later this week.

    “The typhoon track is rare… the whole of Taiwan will be affected by the wind and rain one after another,” President Lai Ching-te said in a post on Facebook, urging citizens to make preparations.

    Power to more than half a million homes was cut and over 300 domestic and international flights were cancelled, government data showed. The north-south high-speed rail line scaled back services.

    The National Fire Agency said one person was killed by a falling tree while driving and another died after their respirator malfunctioned due to a power cut.

    Record winds of around 220 kilometres per hour were recorded in the southwestern county of Yunlin, while more than 700 trees and street signs were blown over across western cities and towns, government data showed.

    There was no major report of damage in the Tainan Science Park that houses tech giants such as TSMC 2330.TW.

    (Reuters)

  • Typhoon Danas lashes southern Taiwan with record winds, injuring hundreds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Typhoon Danas lashed southern Taiwan with record winds and strong rain early on Monday, killing two people and injuring more than 330 in a rare hit to the island’s densely populated west coast, where businesses and schools were shut.

    Taiwan is regularly struck by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.

    Typhoon Danas, at one point listed by Taiwan’s weather authority at the second-strongest level, headed northerly towards the Taiwan Strait after making landfall along its southwestern coast late on Sunday.

    It has greatly weakened since and was forecast to hit eastern China later this week.

    “The typhoon track is rare… the whole of Taiwan will be affected by the wind and rain one after another,” President Lai Ching-te said in a post on Facebook, urging citizens to make preparations.

    Power to more than half a million homes was cut and over 300 domestic and international flights were cancelled, government data showed. The north-south high-speed rail line scaled back services.

    The National Fire Agency said one person was killed by a falling tree while driving and another died after their respirator malfunctioned due to a power cut.

    Record winds of around 220 kilometres per hour were recorded in the southwestern county of Yunlin, while more than 700 trees and street signs were blown over across western cities and towns, government data showed.

    There was no major report of damage in the Tainan Science Park that houses tech giants such as TSMC 2330.TW.

    (Reuters)

  • Amit Shah marks 4 years of Ministry of Cooperation with major announcements in Anand, Gujarat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Underlining that cooperation has been an integral part of Indian society since the Vedic era, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave this tradition a formal structure by establishing the Ministry of Cooperation four years ago.

    Shah was speaking at a special event in Anand, Gujarat, marking the fourth anniversary of the ministry’s formation and commemorating the 150th birth anniversary year of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

    The event, organised by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), featured several major launches, inaugurations, and policy highlights aimed at strengthening India’s cooperative movement.

    He said that PM Modi institutionalized this tradition by establishing a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation four years ago, breathing new life into over 8.4 lakh cooperative societies linked to nearly 31 crore people.

    Shah said that the Ministry has undertaken more than 60 initiatives over the past four years, all built upon a strategic foundation of “Five Ps”: People, PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), Platform, Policy, and Prosperity. He explained that these initiatives aim to directly benefit citizens, empower PACS at the grassroots level, promote digital platforms for cooperative activity, ensure member-focused policies, and deliver shared prosperity for society as a whole.

    A major milestone announced during the event was the launch of the newly formed multi-state cooperative body, Sardar Patel Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited, along with the unveiling of its official logo. Shah highlighted that this federation will help complete a sustainable cycle in the dairy sector, involving fair milk procurement, input services, price compensation, and circular economy practices. He further explained that the model will mirror the success of Amul and will directly benefit dairy farmers across India.

    Also unveiled were the expansion of Amul’s Chocolate Plant at Mogar, worth ₹105 crore, and the Cheese Plant at Khatraj, valued at ₹260 crore. The chocolate plant’s capacity will now double from 30 to 60 tonnes per day. The modernized cheese plant will also manufacture UHT milk, mozzarella cheese, whey-based beverages, and include facilities for smart warehousing and cheese packaging.

    The Union Minister inaugurated the Ready-to-Use Culture (RUC) Plant developed by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) at a cost of ₹45 crore. He also inaugurated the new office of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI)—the Maniben Patel Bhawan—constructed at a cost of ₹32 crore, and laid the foundation stone of NDDB’s new headquarters building in Anand.

    Shah spoke about the newly formed Kutch District Salt Cooperative Society, describing it as a model that would empower salt-producing laborers, similar to how Amul transformed dairy farming. He added that initiatives such as establishing 2 lakh new PACS, a National Cooperative University, a National Cooperative Database, and several national-level cooperatives for grains and dairy sectors are part of the government’s effort to further strengthen the cooperative landscape.

    In the spirit of the International Year of Cooperatives, Shah stressed the need to embed three critical values in cooperative functioning—transparency, adoption of technology, and keeping cooperative members at the center of decision-making. He cautioned that a lack of transparency weakens cooperation, and institutions that resist technology or overlook member interests often fail to survive.

    The event was attended by dignitaries including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S.P. Singh Baghel, and Union Cooperation Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani.

    Paying tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary, Shah recalled his contributions to India’s unity and sovereignty, particularly his role in integrating Kashmir and West Bengal into the Indian Union. He praised Dr. Mookerjee’s famous call for “one constitution, one flag, and one Prime Minister,” noting that his ultimate sacrifice laid the groundwork for national unity.

    Shah called on cooperative leaders and members across the nation to internalize the values of transparency, technology, and inclusivity to ensure the sustainability and success of India’s cooperative model.

  • Israel attacks Houthi targets in three Yemeni ports and power plant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel has attacked Houthi targets in three Yemeni ports and a power plant, the Israeli military said early on Monday, marking the first Israeli attack on Yemen in almost a month.

    The strikes on Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif ports, and Ras Qantib power plant were due to repeated Houthi attacks on Israel, the military added.

    Hours after the strikes, the Israeli military said two missiles were launched from Yemen and attempts were made to intercept them, but the results of interception were still under review.

    The Israeli ambulance service said it had not received any calls regarding missile impacts or casualties following the launches from Yemen.

    Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis have fired at Israel and at shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade, in what it says are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians.

    Most of the dozens of missiles and drones fired toward Israel have been intercepted or fallen short. Israel has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes.

    Israel also attacked Galaxy Leader ship in Ras Isa port, which was seized by Houthis in late 2023, the military added on Monday.

    “The Houthi terrorist regime’s forces installed a radar system on the ship, and are using it to track vessels in international maritime space, in order to promote the Houthi terrorist regime’s activities,” the military said.

    The Houthi military spokesperson said following the attacks that Houthis’ air defences confronted the Israeli attack ‘by using a large number of domestically produced surface-to-air missiles’.

    Residents told Reuters that the Israeli strikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah put the main power station out of service, leaving the city in darkness.

    There were no immediate reports of casualties.

    Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that Israel launched a series of strikes on Hodeidah, shortly after the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for people at the three Yemeni ports.

    The assault comes hours after a ship was attacked off of Hodeidah and the ship’s crew abandoned it as it took on water.

    No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but security firm Ambrey said the vessel fits the typical profile of a Houthi target.

    Israel has severely hurt other allies of Iran in the region – Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

    The Tehran-backed Houthis and pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq are still standing.

    The group’s leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, created the force challenging world powers from a group of ragtag mountain fighters in sandals.

    Under the direction of al-Houthi, the group has grown into an army of tens of thousands of fighters and acquired armed drones and ballistic missiles. Saudi Arabia and the West say the arms come from Iran, though Tehran denies this.

    (Reuters)

  • Oil tumbles as OPEC+ hikes August output more than expected

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Oil prices slipped on Monday after OPEC+ surprised markets by hiking output more than expected in August, while uncertainty over U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on global economic growth weighed on demand expectations.

    Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell 47 cents, or 0.69%, to $67.83 a barrel by 0327 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was at $66.05, down $0.95, or 1.42%.

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, a group known as OPEC+, agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August.

    “The increased production clearly represents a more aggressive competition for market share and some tolerance for the resulting decline in price and revenue,” Tim Evans of Evans Energy said in a note.

    The August increase represents a jump from monthly increases of 411,000 bpd OPEC+ had approved for May, June and July, and 138,000 bpd in April.

    The decision will bring nearly 80% of the 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts from eight OPEC producers back into the market, RBC Capital analysts led by Helima Croft said in a note.

    However, the actual output increase has been smaller than planned so far and most of the supply has been from Saudi Arabia, they added.

    In a show of confidence in oil demand, Saudi Arabia on Sunday raised the August price for its flagship Arab Light crude to a four-month high for Asia.

    Goldman analysts expect OPEC+ to announce a final 550,000 bpd increase for September at the next meeting on August 3.

    Oil also came under pressure as U.S. officials flagged a delay on tariffs but failed to provide details on the change.

    The U.S. is close to finalising several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates scheduled to take effect on August 1.

    Trump in April announced a 10% base tariff rate on most countries and higher “reciprocal” rates ranging up to 50%, with an original deadline of this Wednesday.

    However, Trump also said levies could range in value from “maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20%”, further clouding the picture.

    “Concerns over Trump’s tariffs continue to be the broad theme in the second half of 2025, with dollar weakness the only support for oil for now,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, a senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

    (Reuters)

  • Oil tumbles as OPEC+ hikes August output more than expected

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Oil prices slipped on Monday after OPEC+ surprised markets by hiking output more than expected in August, while uncertainty over U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on global economic growth weighed on demand expectations.

    Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell 47 cents, or 0.69%, to $67.83 a barrel by 0327 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was at $66.05, down $0.95, or 1.42%.

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, a group known as OPEC+, agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August.

    “The increased production clearly represents a more aggressive competition for market share and some tolerance for the resulting decline in price and revenue,” Tim Evans of Evans Energy said in a note.

    The August increase represents a jump from monthly increases of 411,000 bpd OPEC+ had approved for May, June and July, and 138,000 bpd in April.

    The decision will bring nearly 80% of the 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts from eight OPEC producers back into the market, RBC Capital analysts led by Helima Croft said in a note.

    However, the actual output increase has been smaller than planned so far and most of the supply has been from Saudi Arabia, they added.

    In a show of confidence in oil demand, Saudi Arabia on Sunday raised the August price for its flagship Arab Light crude to a four-month high for Asia.

    Goldman analysts expect OPEC+ to announce a final 550,000 bpd increase for September at the next meeting on August 3.

    Oil also came under pressure as U.S. officials flagged a delay on tariffs but failed to provide details on the change.

    The U.S. is close to finalising several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates scheduled to take effect on August 1.

    Trump in April announced a 10% base tariff rate on most countries and higher “reciprocal” rates ranging up to 50%, with an original deadline of this Wednesday.

    However, Trump also said levies could range in value from “maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20%”, further clouding the picture.

    “Concerns over Trump’s tariffs continue to be the broad theme in the second half of 2025, with dollar weakness the only support for oil for now,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, a senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

    (Reuters)

  • Oil tumbles as OPEC+ hikes August output more than expected

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Oil prices slipped on Monday after OPEC+ surprised markets by hiking output more than expected in August, while uncertainty over U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on global economic growth weighed on demand expectations.

    Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell 47 cents, or 0.69%, to $67.83 a barrel by 0327 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was at $66.05, down $0.95, or 1.42%.

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, a group known as OPEC+, agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August.

    “The increased production clearly represents a more aggressive competition for market share and some tolerance for the resulting decline in price and revenue,” Tim Evans of Evans Energy said in a note.

    The August increase represents a jump from monthly increases of 411,000 bpd OPEC+ had approved for May, June and July, and 138,000 bpd in April.

    The decision will bring nearly 80% of the 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts from eight OPEC producers back into the market, RBC Capital analysts led by Helima Croft said in a note.

    However, the actual output increase has been smaller than planned so far and most of the supply has been from Saudi Arabia, they added.

    In a show of confidence in oil demand, Saudi Arabia on Sunday raised the August price for its flagship Arab Light crude to a four-month high for Asia.

    Goldman analysts expect OPEC+ to announce a final 550,000 bpd increase for September at the next meeting on August 3.

    Oil also came under pressure as U.S. officials flagged a delay on tariffs but failed to provide details on the change.

    The U.S. is close to finalising several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates scheduled to take effect on August 1.

    Trump in April announced a 10% base tariff rate on most countries and higher “reciprocal” rates ranging up to 50%, with an original deadline of this Wednesday.

    However, Trump also said levies could range in value from “maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20%”, further clouding the picture.

    “Concerns over Trump’s tariffs continue to be the broad theme in the second half of 2025, with dollar weakness the only support for oil for now,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, a senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says US nears trade deals as tariff deadline delayed

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States is close to finalizing several trade pacts in coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates set to take effect on August 1.

    Since taking office, Trump has set off a global trade war that has roiled financial markets and sent policymakers scrambling to protect their economies, through efforts such as deals with the United States and other countries.

    In April Trump unveiled a base tariff rate of 10% on most countries and additional duties of up to 50%, but later gave a three-week reprieve until Wednesday for all but 10% of them.

    Trump, whose remarks to reporters on Sunday came just before his return to Washington from a weekend golfing in New Jersey, had flagged the August 1 date earlier, but it was unclear if all tariffs would increase then.

    Asked to clarify, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters the higher tariffs would take effect on August 1, but Trump was “setting the rates and the deals right now.”

    In a posting on his Truth Social website, Trump later said the U.S. would start delivering tariff letters from 12:00 pm ET (1600 GMT) on Monday.

    In a separate post, he rolled out a wholly new tariff policy, calling for countries “aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies” of the BRICS developing nations to be charged an extra 10% tariff, with no exceptions to be granted.

    The first BRICS summit in 2009 was attended by leaders from Brazil, China, India and Russia, with South Africa joining later while Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were included last year.

    Trump has close ties to leaders of some of those countries, such as Saudi Arabia and UAE, and has been touting the prospect of a trade deal with India for weeks.

    On Sunday, BRICS leaders condemned attacks on Gaza and Iran, called for reforms to global institutions and warned that the rise in tariffs threatened global trade.

    It was not immediately clear if Trump’s tariff threat would derail trade talks with India, Indonesia and other BRICS nations, however.

    Earlier on Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNN’s “State of the Union” that several big trade agreements would be announced in the next days, adding that European Union talks had made good progress.

    Trump would also send letters to 100 smaller countries with which the United States does not have much trade, notifying them of higher tariff rates, he added.

    “President Trump’s going to be sending letters to some of our trading partners saying that if you don’t move things along, then on August 1 you will boomerang back to your April 2 tariff level,” Bessent said.

    “So I think we’re going to see a lot of deals very quickly.”

    Kevin Hassett, who heads the White House National Economic Council, told CBS’s “Face the Nation” program there might be wiggle room for countries engaged in earnest negotiations.

    “There are deadlines, and there are things that are close, and so maybe things will push back past the deadline,” Hassett said, adding that Trump would decide.

    ‘I HEAR GOOD THINGS’

    Stephen Miran, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, told ABC News’ “This Week” program that countries needed to make concessions to get lower tariff rates.

    “I hear good things about the talks with Europe. I hear good things about the talks with India,” Miran said. “And so I would expect that a number of countries that are in the process of making those concessions … might see their date rolled.”

    Bessent told CNN the Trump administration was focused on 18 important trading partners that account for 95% of the U.S. trade deficit. But he said there had been “a lot of foot-dragging” among countries in finalizing trade deals.

    Thailand, keen to avert a 36% tariff, is now offering greater market access for U.S. farm and industrial goods and more purchases of U.S. energy and Boeing BA.N jets, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira told Bloomberg News on Sunday.

    India and the United States are likely to make a final decision on a mini trade deal in the next 24 to 48 hours, local Indian news channel CNBC-TV18 reported on Sunday, with average tariffs of 10% on Indian goods shipped to the U.S., it said.

    Hassett told CBS News that framework agreements already reached with Britain and Vietnam offered guidelines for other countries. He said Trump’s pressure was prompting countries to move production to the United States.

    The Vietnam deal was “fantastic,” Miran said.

    “It’s extremely one-sided. We get to apply a significant tariff to Vietnamese exports. They’re opening their markets to ours, applying zero tariff to our exports.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: David Tao’s first album in 12 years set for global release

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    David Tao, widely known as the godfather of Mandarin R&B, will make his first full-length album in 12 years, “Stupid Pop Songs,” available globally with the support of Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), the company announced Friday.

    A photo of David Tao. [Photo courtesy of UMGC]

    “Stupid Pop Songs” has been available on major digital platforms since April, with a physical worldwide release planned on July 11 through UMGC. The album is the first project under a new partnership among Tao, his company Great Entertainment and UMGC, a division of Universal Music Group. 

    The 15-track album features Tao’s blend of distorted guitars, raw vocals, sweeping ballads and experimental textures. Inspired by years of reflection, the release aims to challenge conventional pop with honesty, humor and soul, and encourages listeners to rediscover joy and authenticity in simplicity, according to UMGC.

    “David Tao is one of the most visionary and influential figures in Mandopop history,” said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of UMGC. “His music has shaped the genre and inspired generations with its emotional depth and artistic courage. We are proud to welcome David to the Universal Music family. This alliance underscores our long-term investment in iconic artistry and reinforces our commitment to expanding the global reach of Mandarin pop.”

    David Tao (left), recording artist and founder of Great Entertainment, and Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, pose in front of decorations featuring Tao’s new album cover art. [Photo courtesy of UMGC]

    Tao said music has always been a borderless and personal journey for him. 

    “This new chapter with Universal Music allows us to bring our creative work to a broader global stage,” Tao said. “I am grateful for the trust and alignment in vision, and excited to explore new possibilities with Universal Music Greater China to elevate Mandarin pop and share our stories with the world.”

    The singer has played a pivotal role in redefining the sound of Mandarin pop over the past three decades. Before launching his solo career, he was already an in-demand producer.

    His 1997 debut album, “David Tao,” won Golden Melody Awards and was recognized by Billboard as the best Asian singer-songwriter. The album featured hits such as “Love, Very Simple,” which has been covered by artists internationally. Tao’s early trilogy of albums — “David Tao,” “I’m OK” and “Black Tangerine” — blended East-West sounds with emotional honesty, helping establish a new direction for Mandarin pop. 

    Now in his 28th year in music, “Stupid Pop Songs” signals both a comeback and a bold reinvention, according to UMGC’s press release.

    Universal said it remains committed to promoting Chinese pop music internationally through its global network.

    MIL OSI China News –